Continuously variable transmissions and methods therefor

ABSTRACT

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting, traction planets and traction rings. In one embodiment, a variator is coupled to a rangebox to provide multiple operating modes. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the variator and the rangebox. Various inventive shift-cam-and-sun subassemblies can be used to facilitate shifting of the transmission ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a pivot arm, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, a pivot pin hub, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. FIG.  72  shows a torque-split ball-type rolling traction CVT with a ball-type rolling traction variator ( 1200 ) and planetary gearset ( 1400 ) which is followed by a rangebox ( 1600 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and herby incorporates byreference herein in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Application60/889,512, filed on Feb. 14, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosed invention relates generally to mechanical power modulationand transmission. More specifically, the invention concerns continuouslyvariable units and transmissions, subassemblies, components, and methodsfor use therewith.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the relevant technology various types of continuously variabletransmissions (CVT) are known. The particular type of CVT which pertainsto the present disclosure is typically known as a ball-type rollingtraction CVT. Although ball-type rolling traction CVTs have gained someacceptance in certain industrial applications, the technology hasgenerally been unable to overcome technical and economic hurdles to gaina wider adoption across multiple fields of use.

The inventive embodiments disclosed here address many of the challengesthat have prevented ball-type rolling traction CVTs from gaining wideracceptance in the marketplace. In particular, though certainly notlimited in scope of applicability, the inventive embodiments disclosedhere provide mechanisms and methods for employing ball-type continuouslyvariable units and/or continuously variable transmissions in automotiveapplications.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The systems and methods herein described have several features, nosingle one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes.Without limiting the scope as expressed by the claims that follow, itsmore prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After consideringthis discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled“Detailed Description of Certain Inventive Embodiments” one willunderstand how the features of the system and methods provide severaladvantages over traditional systems and methods.

One aspect of the invention relates to a drive having a prime mover anda transmission coupled to the prime mover. In one embodiment thetransmission has a continuously variable unit (CVU), an input interfacecoupled to the prime mover and to the CVU, and an output interfacecoupled to the CVU. The drive also has a parallel branch for mechanicalpower transmission. The parallel branch can be coupled to the inputinterface and to the output interface.

Another aspect of the invention addresses a transmission having a mainshaft, an input load cam, an input traction ring, and a first set ofload cam rollers positioned between the input load cam and the inputtraction ring. In one embodiment, the transmission has a number oftraction planets in contact with the input traction ring, and thetransmission has a traction sun in contact with the traction planets. Insome embodiments, the transmission has an output traction ring incontact with the traction planets, an output load cam, and a secondnumber of load cam rollers positioned between the output traction ringand the output load cam. In one embodiment, the transmission has aplanetary gearset that has a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier. Theoutput load cam is coupled to the ring gear, and the main shaft iscoupled to the sun gear. The transmission can also have a transfer shaftcoupled to the planetary gear set carrier.

One more aspect of the invention concerns a transmission including anumber of traction rollers, a carrier assembly operably coupled to thetraction rollers, and an input element configured to transfer torque tothe traction rollers. The input element includes a load cam and atraction ring that each has bidirectional load cam ramps. In oneembodiment, the transmission includes an output element configured totransfer torque from the traction rollers. The transmission alsoincludes a shifter assembly configured to adjust an axis of rotation ofthe traction rollers. In some embodiments, the transmission includes ahydraulic system operably coupled to the shifter assembly, and thetransmission includes a lubrication system configured to providelubricant to at least the traction rollers.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves a drive having a torqueconverter, a main shaft coupled to the torque converter, an input loadcam coupled to the main shaft, and an input traction ring operationallycoupled to the input load cam. The drive also includes a number oftraction planets adapted to receive torque from the input traction ring.In one embodiment, the drive includes an output traction ring adapted toreceive torque from the traction planets and an output load camoperationally coupled to the output traction ring. The drive alsoincludes a planetary gearset coupled to the output load cam and to themain shaft.

One aspect of the invention concerns a transmission having a number ofspherical traction rollers, a carrier assembly for supporting thetraction rollers, an input element for transferring torque to thetraction rollers, and an output element for transferring torque from thetraction rollers. In one embodiment, the transmission includes an axialforce generator for applying a clamping force to the spherical rollers,input element, and output element. The transmission includes a shifterassembly for adjusting an axis of rotation of the spherical tractionrollers. In one embodiment, the transmission includes a hydraulic systemfor actuating the shifter assembly, and the transmission includes alubrication system for providing lubricant to at least the sphericaltraction rollers.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a continuously variable unit(CVU) having a rotatable main shaft, an input load cam coupled to themain shaft, an input traction ring operationally coupled to the inputload cam, and a number of traction planets in contact with the inputtraction ring. In one embodiment, the CVU includes an output tractionring in contact with the traction planets and an output load camoperationally coupled to the output traction ring. The CVU also includesa traction sun in contact with the traction planets. A number of planetaxles define the axes of rotation for the traction planets. The CVUincludes at least one shift lever for each planet axle. The CVU alsoincludes at least one shift cam operationally coupled to the shiftlevers and at least one stator configured to axially and radiallysupport the planet axles and the shift levers. The CVU includes at leastone control piston configured to actuate an axial movement of the atleast one shift cam, and the CVU can include a center manifoldconfigured to support the at least one stator. The center manifold isalso configured to provide control fluid and lubricant to the CVU.

Yet one more aspect of the invention addresses a continuously variableunit (CVU) having a number of traction planets arranged angularly abouta longitudinal axis of the CVU. The CVU includes a traction sun incontact with the traction planets and a number of planet axles coupledto the traction planets. The planet axles define the axes of rotationfor the traction planets. The CVU includes a number of shift levers. Atleast one shift lever is coupled to each planet axle. The CVU includes ashift cam operably coupled to the shift levers, and the CVU has a statorconfigured to axially and radially support the planet axles and theshift levers. The CVU also includes at least one control pistonconfigured to actuate an axial movement of the shift cam and a centermanifold configured to support the stator. The center manifold isadapted to provide a control fluid and a lubricant to the CVU.

In another aspect, the invention concerns a continuously variable unit(CVU) having an input element configured to receive a power input, anumber of traction members coupled to the input element, a carrierassembly adapted to facilitate support of the traction members, and aload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly configured to generate axialforce. The CVU includes a shifter assembly operably coupled to thetraction members and an output element configured to receive power fromthe traction members. In one embodiment, the CVU includes a hydraulicsystem configured to be in fluid communication with the shifterassembly.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a shifting mechanism for arolling traction transmission. The shifting mechanism includes atraction sun, a number of shift cams, and a number of control pistonsoperationally coupled to the shift cams. In one embodiment, the tractionsun is placed between the shift cams.

One aspect of the invention relates to a control piston for a shiftingmechanism of a continuously variable unit (CVU). The control pistonincludes a generally cylindrical body having a central bore adapted toengage a piston tube. In one embodiment, the control piston includes apiston face configured to interface with control fluid and a surfaceconfigured to facilitate sensing of an axial position of the controlpiston. Another aspect of the invention relates to a control piston acontrol piston tube having a generally cylindrical tube with a throughcentral bore. The control piston tube includes a surface adapted tocouple to a control piston, and the control piston tube has a surfaceadapted to coupled to a shift cam.

Another aspect of the invention addresses a shift cam for a shiftingmechanism of a continuously variable unit (CVU). The shift cam includesa central bore, a shift cam profile, and a shift cam extension. In someembodiments, the shift cam profile is substantially defined by the datapoints shown in FIG. 41. In other embodiments, the shift cam has anangled face adapted to allow lubricant flow. In yet other embodiments,the central bore of the shift cam is adapted to couple to a controlpiston tube.

One more aspect of the invention concerns a piston tube for use in arolling traction transmission. The piston tube includes a substantiallyannular cylindrical body having a center bore, a first face located onthe outer circumference of the annular cylindrical body, and a secondface located on the outer circumference of the annular cylindrical body.The first face is configured to receive a shift cam of the transmission.The second face is configured to receive a control piston of thetransmission. The piston tube also includes an orifice located on theouter circumference of the annular cylindrical body. The orifice isadapted to provide a lubricant to the transmission.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves a stator-manifold assemblyhaving a center manifold and at least one stator coupled to the centermanifold so that the center manifold provides, and the stator receives,control fluid and lubricant. In some embodiments, the stator-manifoldassembly includes at least one oil galley in fluid communication withthe at least one stator.

One aspect of the invention concerns a center manifold for acontinuously variable unit (CVU). The center manifold includes a baseplate having a number of channels and ports for receiving anddistributing control fluid and lubricant. In one embodiment, the centermanifold includes a cover plate adapted to couple to the base plate. Thecover plate has a number of channels and ports for receiving anddistributing control fluid and lubricant.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a base plate for a centermanifold of a continuously variable unit (CVU). The base plate includesa number of ports and channels for receiving and distributing fluid, anda number of recesses for clearing one or more traction planets of theCVU. In one embodiment, the base plate includes one or more structuresfor facilitating the locating and fastening of the base plate to ahousing of the CVU. The base plate also includes a number of channelsfor receiving and housing sensor cables.

Yet one more aspect of the invention addresses a stator for acontinuously variable unit (CVU). The stator includes a number ofextensions adapted to facilitate the coupling of the stator to amanifold. The extensions comprise one or more channels for receiving anddistributing fluid. The stator includes a tubular body configured toform a chamber for receiving a control fluid and a control piston. Thestator also includes an extension configured to deliver lubricant to anoil galley.

In another aspect, the invention concerns a cover plate for continuouslyvariable unit (CVU). The cover plate includes a substantially circularshaped body. The circular shaped body has a first side face, a secondside face, and a cut-out pattern configured to substantially surround anarray of planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies of the CVU. The coverplate includes a number of lubricant channels arranged on the first sideface. The cover plate also includes a number of lubricant spray portspositioned to be in fluid communication with the lubricant channels.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an oil galley for acontinuously variable unit (CVU). The oil galley includes a central borehaving an annular recess for receiving fluid. In one embodiment, the oilgalley has a number of radial channels extending substantially radiallyfrom the annular recess toward an outer perimeter of the oil galley. Theradial channels are spaced angularly about the central bore. The oilgalley also includes a number of axial channels that extendsubstantially axially from each of the radial channels.

One aspect of the invention relates to a transmission housing having oneor more structures for retaining and locating a center manifold. Thetransmission housing includes a number of ports for delivering andreceiving fluids to internal components of the transmission. In oneembodiment, the transmission housing includes a number of ports forreceiving a number of sensors. The transmission housing also includesone or more passages for receiving one or more cam dowels configured tocooperate with structures of the transmission housing and/or the centermanifold for retaining and locating the center manifold.

Another aspect of the invention addresses a main shaft for acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). The main shaft includes anelongated body having a first end portion, a central portion, and asecond end portion. The main shaft includes a set of torque converterengagement splines formed on the first end portion. A first engagementextension extends from the torque converter engagement splines. The mainshaft includes a set of combining device engagement splines formed onthe second end portion. A second engagement extension extends from thesecond end portion. In one embodiment, the main shaft includes an axialreaction flange located on the second end portion.

One more aspect of the invention concerns a main shaft for acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). The main shaft includes anelongated body having a first end portion, a central portion, and asecond end portion. In one embodiment, the main shaft includes a numberof input load cam engagement splines formed on the central portion andan axial reaction flange located on the second end portion.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves a traction ring for use ina continuously variable transmission. The traction ring includes asubstantially annular ring having a front face and a back face. In oneembodiment, the traction ring includes a contact surface formed on thefront face. The traction also includes a groove formed on the back face.

One aspect of the invention concerns a load cam for use in acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). The load cam includes a bowlshaped body having a perimeter edge portion and a hub portion. The hubportion has a central bore. The load cam includes a cylindrically shapedflange that is concentric with the hub portion. In one embodiment, theload cam includes a number of ribs radially extending from the hubportion to the perimeter edge portion. The ribs intersect the flange.The load cam also includes a number of bi-directional ramps formed on aface of the perimeter edge portion.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an input load cam shroud foruse in a continuously variable transmission. The input load cam shroudincludes a bowl shaped body having a central opening. In one embodiment,the input load cam includes several flanges formed about the perimeterof the bowl shaped body. The flanges form a number of shoulders that areadapted to engage a number of mating features of a load cam of the CVT.

Yet one more aspect of the invention addresses an input load camassembly for use in a continuously variable transmission. The input loadcam assembly includes a load cam and a load cam shroud. The load cam hasa bowl shaped body with a perimeter edge portion and a hub portionhaving a central bore. The load cam includes a cylindrically shapedflange concentric with the hub portion and a number of ribs extendingfrom the hub portion to the perimeter edge portion. The ribs intersectthe flange. The load cam also includes a number of bi-directional rampsformed on a face of the perimeter edge portion. The load cam shroudincludes a bowl shaped body having a central opening. The load camshroud also includes a number of flanges formed about the perimeter ofthe bowl shaped body. The flanges form a plurality of shoulders adaptedto engage a plurality of mating features of a load cam shroud of theCVT.

In another aspect, the invention concerns a load cam for use in acontinuously variable transmission. The load cam includes asubstantially bowl shaped body having a hub portion and a perimeter edgeportion. The perimeter edge portion has a front face and a rear face.The load cam includes a number of fins arranged angularly around thefront face of the perimeter edge portion. The load cam also includes anumber of bi-directional ramps formed on a rear face of the perimeteredge portion.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an axial lock nut for use ina continuously variable transmission (CVT). The axial lock nut includesa substantially cylindrical body that has a threaded central bore, anextension portion, and a polygon-shaped outer periphery portion. Anumber of notches are formed on the outer periphery portion. The notchesare configured to couple to a dowel pin of the CVT. The axial lock nutalso includes an anti-rock piloting surface formed on the central bore.

One aspect of the invention relates to a bearing support adapter for usein a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The bearing supportadapter includes a substantially cylindrical body having a first face, asecond face, and a central bore. In one embodiment, the bearing supportadapter has a flange extending radially from the first face. The flangeis configured to react axial force. The bearing support adapter alsoincludes a bearing support surface located on the outer circumference ofthe cylindrical body and a shoulder arranged on the central bore inproximity to the first face. In one embodiment, the bearing supportadapter has a thrust bearing recess formed on the second face.

Another aspect of the invention addresses a continuously variabletransmission having a main shaft, a number of spherical planets, a firstload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly, a secondload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly, and a bearing support adapter.The main shaft is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmissionand adapted to receive a power input. The planets are arranged angularlyabout the longitudinal axis of the transmission. The firstload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly is operably coupled to the mainshaft and to the spherical planets. The secondload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly is operably coupled to thespherical planets. The bearing support adapter is coupled to the mainshaft and configured to support a bearing coupled to the secondload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly.

One more aspect of the invention concerns a shift-cam-and-sunsubassembly for a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly includes a traction sun, a shift camoperably coupled to the traction sun, and a piston tube coupled to theshift cam. The piston tube is coaxial with the traction sun. Theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly also includes a control piston coupled tothe piston tube. The control piston is coaxial with the traction sun.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves a traction sun for acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). The traction sun includes agenerally cylindrical body having a central bore. A first recess isformed on the central bore, and is configured to receive a bearing. Acentral shoulder is formed on the central bore, and is in proximity tothe first recess. The traction sun also includes an exterior edge faceformed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical body. The exterioredge face configured to be a rolling contact surface for number oftraction planets of the CVT.

One aspect of the invention concerns a shift cam for a continuouslyvariable transmission (CVT). The shift cam includes a substantiallydisc-shaped body having a front face, a rear face, and a central bore.In one embodiment, the shift cam has an extension surface extending fromthe central bore. The shift cam has a reference surface formed on therear face. The shift cam also has a shift cam profile formed on thefront face. A set of coordinates define the shape of the shift camprofile. The coordinates are based on the reference surface and includethose of the data table shown in FIG. 41.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a cam dowel having asubstantially cylindrical body with a central bore, a first end portion,and a second end portion. The cam dowel includes a cam wedge formed onthe first end portion. The cam dowel also includes a substantially flatface formed on the second end portion.

Yet one more aspect of the invention addresses a combining device for acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). The combining device includesa transfer shaft, a hub, a number of planet gears, a planet gearcarrier, and a sun gear. The transfer shaft is an elongated body with afirst end, a second end, and a central bore. The hub is operably coupledto the transfer shaft and is coaxial with the transfer shaft. The planetgears are operably coupled to the hub. The planet gear carrier isconfigured to support the planet gears. In one embodiment of thecombining device, the sun gear is coupled to the planet gears. The sungear has a central bore configured to couple to a main axle of the CVT.

In another aspect, the invention concerns a combining device for use ina continuously variable transmission (CVT). The combining deviceincludes a hub configured to support a planetary gear set. In oneembodiment, the combining device has a first power input portionoperably coupled to the hub. The hub has a second power input portion.The combining device also has a power output portion operably coupled tothe hub.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a continuously variabletransmission having a rotatable main shaft arranged along thelongitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, thetransmission includes a variator having a number of traction planetsarranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. Thetransmission includes a combining device operably coupled to thevariator and to the main shaft. The transmission also includes arangebox operably coupled to the combining device.

One aspect of the invention relates to a rangebox for use in acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). The rangebox includes a powerinput portion configured to receive power from a transfer shaft of theCVT, and an output shaft arranged along the longitudinal axis of therangebox. The output shaft is configured to transfer power out of therangebox. The rangebox includes a high-and-low mode subassemblyconfigured to receive power from the power input portion. Thehigh-and-low mode subassembly is arranged along the longitudinal axis ofthe range box and coaxial with the output shaft. The rangebox includes areverse mode subassembly configured to receive power from the powerinput portion. The reverse mode subassembly is operably coupled to theoutput shaft. The rangebox also includes an overrun clutch operablycoupled to the high-and-low mode subassembly and arranged between theforward clutch and the power input portion.

Another aspect of the invention addresses a planet axle for supportingrotation of a traction roller and facilitating a tilting of the axis ofrotation. The planet axle includes a generally cylindrical body having athrough bore along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. In oneembodiment, the planet axle also includes one or more axle capturingfeatures for engagement of a transverse axle.

One more aspect of the invention concerns a shift lever for acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). The shift lever has anelongated body with a first end portion and a second end portion. Theshift lever includes a first bore formed on the first end portion. Thefirst bore is configured to receive a planet axle of the CVT. In oneembodiment, the shift lever has a second bore formed on the first endportion. The second bore intersects the first bore in a substantiallyperpendicular location. The second bore is configured to receive a shiftguide roller axle of the CVT. The shift lever also has an axle receivingpassage formed on the second end. The axle receiving passage isconfigured to receive a shift cam roller axle of the CVT.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves a planet-and-shift-levermechanism for use in a continuously variable transmission. Theplanet-and-shift-lever mechanism includes a spherical planet having acentral bore, a planet axle placed in the central bore, and a firstshift lever coupled to a first end of the planet axle. In oneembodiment, the planet-and-shift-lever mechanism has a second shiftlever coupled to a second end of the planet axle and a first skew rollercoupled to the first end of the planet axle. The planet-and-shift-levermechanism also has a second skew roller coupled to the second end of theplanet axle, a first shift cam roller coupled to the first shift lever,and a second shift cam roller coupled to the second shift lever.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram showing an embodiment of a driveapparatus 100 that includes an inventive continuously variabletransmission and continuously variable unit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of continuously variabletransmission and continuously variable unit in accordance with certaininventive teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a continuouslyvariable transmission employing a continuously variable unit.

FIG. 3B is a partially exploded view of the continuously variabletransmission of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section of certain components of acontinuously variable unit (CVU).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shaft that can be used with the CVU ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section of certain components of the CVU ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a traction ring that can be used withthe CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the traction ring of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a load cam and shroud assembly that canbe used with the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the load cam and shroud assembly ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of the load cam and shroud assemblyof FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a load cam that can be used with theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the load cam of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lock nut that can be used with theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the lock nut of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of yet another load cam that can be usedwith the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 18 is yet another perspective of the load cam of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the load cam of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-section of certain components of the CVU ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of yet another load cam that can be usedwith the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the load cam of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the load cam of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a shroud that can be used with the CVUof FIG. 4.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a bearing support adapter that can beused with the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the bearing support adapter of FIG.25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of yet another load cam that can be usedwith the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the load cam of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the load cam of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a partial cross-sectional view of certain components of theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a planet-and-shift-lever subassemblythat can be used with the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of certain components of theplanet-and-shift-lever subassembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the planet-and-shift-lever-subassembly ofFIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a planet axle that can be used with theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the planet axle of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a shift-cam-and-sun subassembly thatcan be used with the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of certain components of theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is an explode view of certain components of theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a sun that can be used with the CVUof FIG. 4.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a shift cam that can be used withthe CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 40A is a detail view A of the shift cam of FIG. 40.

FIG. 41 is a data table with data points specifying a suitable profilefor the shift cam of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a control piston that can be usedwith the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a piston tube that can be used with theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 44 is a partial, cross-sectional view of certain components of theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a stator-manifold subassembly that canbe used with the CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of certain components of thestator-manifold of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a center manifold that can be used withthe stator-manifold of FIG. 45.

FIG. 48 is a second perspective view of the center manifold of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a base plate that can be used with thecenter manifold of FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is a second perspective view of the base plate of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51A and FIG. 51B are perspective views of a cam dowel that can beused with the CVU of FIG. 4 and the stator-manifold subassembly of FIG.45.

FIG. 52 is a plan view of a cover plate that can be used with the centermanifold of FIG. 47.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the cover plate of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a stator that can be used with the CVUof FIG. 4.

FIG. 55 is a second perspective view of the stator of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the stator of FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 is yet another cross-sectional view of the stator of FIG. 54.

FIG. 58 is yet another cross-sectional view of the stator of FIG. 54.

FIG. 59 is side view of the stator of FIG. 54.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an oil galley that can be used with theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 61 is a second perspective view of the oil galley of FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the oil galley of FIG. 60.

FIG. 63 is a partial, cross-sectional view of certain components of theCVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 64 is a yet another cross-sectional view of certain components ofthe CVU of FIG. 4.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a bell housing and certain componentsof an input interface that can be used with transmissions of FIGS. 1, 2,and 3A.

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional, partial perspective view of the bellhousing of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a partially explode view of certain components of the bellhousing and input interface of FIG. 65.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a combining device that can be use withthe transmission o FIG. 3A.

FIG. 69 is a side view of the combining device of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view of the combining device of FIG. 68.

FIG. 71 is a partially exploded view of certain components of thecombining device of FIG. 67.

FIG. 72 is a schematic diagram of a continuously variable unit adaptedto cooperate with a rangebox.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a range box that canbe used with the CVU of FIG. 4 and/or the transmission of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view of the rangebox of FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a rear housing that can be used withthe transmission of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of certain components andfeatures of the rear housing of FIG. 75.

FIG. 77 is a plan view of the bottom side of the rear housing of FIG.75.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Certain inventive embodiments will now be described with reference tothe accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein isnot intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive mannersimply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detaileddescription of certain specific embodiments of the invention.Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novelfeatures, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirableattributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions hereindescribed. The CVT/IVT embodiments described here are generally relatedto transmissions and variators disclosed in U.S. Patent Application60/890,438, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

As used here, the terms “operationally connected,” “operationallycoupled”, “operationally linked”, “operably connected”, “operablycoupled”, “operably linked,” and like terms, refer to a relationship(mechanical, linkage, coupling, etc.) between elements whereby operationof one element results in a corresponding, following, or simultaneousoperation or actuation of a second element. It is noted that in usingsaid terms to describe inventive embodiments, specific structures ormechanisms that link or couple the elements are typically described.However, unless otherwise specifically stated, when one of said terms isused, the term indicates that the actual linkage or coupling may take avariety of forms, which in certain instances will be obvious to a personof ordinary skill in the relevant technology.

For description purposes, the term “radial” is used here to indicate adirection or position that is perpendicular relative to a longitudinalaxis of a transmission or variator. The term “axial” as used here refersto a direction or position along an axis that is parallel to a main orlongitudinal axis of a transmission or variator. For clarity andconciseness, at times similar components labeled similarly (for example,control piston 582A and control piston 582B) will be referred tocollectively by a single label (for example, control pistons 582).

FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram showing an embodiment of a driveapparatus 100, which is referred to herein as the drive 100. In someembodiments, the drive 100 includes a transmission 101 operationallycoupled between a prime mover 102 and a load 114. The prime mover 102delivers power to the transmission 101, and the transmission 101delivers power to the load 114. The prime mover 102 can be one or moreof any number of power generating devices, and the load 114 can be oneor more of any number of driven devices or components. Examples of theprime mover 102 include, but are not limited to, engines, motors and thelike. Examples of loads include, but are not limited to, drivetraindifferential assemblies, power take-off assemblies, generatorassemblies, pump assemblies, and the like.

In one embodiment, the transmission 101 includes an input interface 104,a variator 106, a parallel branch 108 (for example, a fixed ratiobranch), an output interface 110, and a rangebox 112. The inputinterface 104 is operationally coupled to the prime mover 102. Thevariator 106 and the parallel branch 108 can be operationally coupled inparallel between the input interface 104 and the output interface 110.The rangebox 112 is operationally coupled between the output interface110 and the load 114.

The input interface 104 can be configured for receiving power from theprime mover 102 and transferring such power to the variator 106 and theparallel branch 108 in a distributed manner. The output interface 110can be configured for combining power (that is, torque applied at agiven rotational speed) from the variator 106 and the parallel branch108 and transferring such combined power to the rangebox 112. It isdisclosed herein that neither the input interface 104 nor the outputinterface 110 is necessarily limited to a particular respective physicaland/or operational configuration. Accordingly, the input interface 104may include any gearing or coupling structure suitable for providingsuch distributed power transfer and distribution functionality, and theoutput interface 110 may include any gearing or coupling structuresuitable for providing such combined power transfer functionality.Examples of the input interface 104 include, but are not limited to, atorque converter assembly, a hydraulic clutch coupling, a manuallyactuated clutch assembly, a computer-controlled clutch assembly, amagnetorheological clutch coupling, and the like.

The parallel branch 108 can be configured for enabling power distributedthereto from the input interface 104 to be directly transferred to theoutput interface 110 without any selective variation (that is,adjustment) of rotational speed and/or rotational direction associatedwith that power. However, in other embodiments, the parallel branch 108can be configured to modulate power in discrete (that is, stepped) orcontinuously variable modes. The variator 106 can be configured forenabling power distributed thereto from the input interface 104 to betransferred to the output interface 110 in a manner whereby torqueand/or rotational speed associated with that power is selectivelyvariable (that is, selectively adjustable). Accordingly, a torque splitunit in accordance with one embodiment of the present inventioncomprises the variator 106 and the parallel branch 108 and provides fortwo power paths between the input interface 104 and the output interface110. A first one of the power paths extends through the variator 106 anda second one of the power paths extends through the parallel branch 108.As will be discussed below in greater detail, power distribution betweenthe two power paths is dependent upon a selectively variable ratio of aninput power specification of the variator 106 (for example, input torqueand input rotational shaft speed) with respect to an output powerspecification of the variator 106 (for example, output torque and outputrotational shaft speed). One reason for implementing a split torque unitis to increase a torque capacity of the transmission 101. For example,during a duty cycle that requires a high torque output, it is desirableto route a majority of such high torque through the parallel branch 108thereby precluding torque carrying components of the variator 106 fromhaving to experience long periods of high torque application.Preferably, but not necessarily, a transmission in accordance with thepresent invention is of a split torque type. However, it is disclosedherein that the parallel branch 108 may, in some embodiment of thepresent invention, be omitted such that power is transferred between theinput interface 104 and the output interface 110 solely through thevariator 106.

The rangebox 112 provides various gear selection and clutch engagementfunctionalities. Examples of such gear selection functionality include,but are not limited to, selective engagement of available rangebox gearratios and selective engagement of various load drive directions.Examples of such clutch engagement functionality include, but are notlimited to, passive implementation of various clutch engagementoperations and active implementation of various clutch engagementoperations.

Referring to FIG. 2 now, one embodiment of the transmission 101 will bedescribed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the input interface 104 can serveas a torque interface for receiving an applied input torque at a givenrotational speed or range of rotational speeds from the prime mover 102.Through the input interface 104, the applied input torque is deliveredto the variator 106 and the parallel branch 108 in a distributed manner.Torque is distributed dependent upon a torque ratio setting of thevariator 1200.

As discussed above, the parallel branch 108 can be configured to receivepower from the input interface 104 and to distribute that power directlyto the output interface 110 without any selective variation ofrotational speed and/or rotational direction associated with that power.In one embodiment, the parallel branch 108 includes a shaft rotatablycoupled between the input interface 104 and the output interface 110 fortransferring power from the input interface 104 and the output interface110 without any selective variation of rotational speed and/orrotational direction associated with that power.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment the variator 106 can includetraction members 202, an input element 204, a shifter assembly 206, anaxial force generator (AFG) 208, a carrier assembly 210, a hydraulicsystem 212, a lubrication system 214, and an output element 216. Theinput element 204, the shifter assembly 206, the axial force generator208, the carrier assembly 210, the lubrication system 214, and theoutput element 216 are operationally coupled to the traction members202. The hydraulic system 212 is operationally connected to the shifterassembly 206 and is configured for adjusting a torque ratio setting ofthe variator 106. The input element 204 is operationally coupled to theinput interface 104 for receiving power from the input interface 104.Power is transmitted from input element 204 to the output element 216through the traction members 202. Power is output from the variator 106through the output element 216, being delivered to the output interface110.

The carrier assembly 210 provides for physical placement and support ofthe traction members 202. The shifter assembly 206 providesfunctionality for selectively manipulating the traction members 202,thereby enabling a ratio of input torque exerted on the input element204 to output torque exerted on the output element 216 (that is, thetorque ratio) to be selectively varied in a continuous, or stepless,manner. In doing so, the shifter assembly 206 enables the amount oftorque transferred jointly by the variator 106 and the parallel branch108 between the input interface 104 and the output interface 110 to beselectively varied. The hydraulic system 212 can be configured forhydraulically controlling the shifter assembly 206 to vary the torqueratio. The lubrication system 214 can be configured to deliver alubricant to, among other things, mechanical interfaces between tractionmembers 202, the input element 204, and the output element 216. In oneembodiment, the lubrication system 214 is adapted to provide lubricantto the rangebox 112. The axial force generator 208 can be configured forexerting a force (for example, clamping force, axial force, etc.) tokeep the input element 204 and the output element 216 in sufficientcontact with the traction members 202, thereby limiting slippage atpoints of contact therebetween. In some embodiments, the axial forcegenerator 208 can cooperate with, or be at least partly operationallycoupled with the hydraulic system 212.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the rangebox 112 includesa first rangebox structure 220 configured for varying a gear range, asecond rangebox structure 222 configured for adjusting a load drivedirection, and a third rangebox structure 224 configured to protectagainst load overrun conditions. The first rangebox structure 220preferably facilitates selective adjustment between a rangebox high gearratio (for example, relatively low torque output exerted at a relativelyhigh rotational speed) and a rangebox low gear ratio (for example,relatively high torque output exerted at a relatively low rotationalspeed), which increases the overall gear ratio range of the transmission101. The second rangebox structure 222 can be configured to facilitateselective adjustment between a first rotary drive direction (forexample, corresponding to driving the load 114 in a forward operationaldirection) and a second rotary drive direction (for example,corresponding to driving the load 114 in a reverse operationaldirection). The third rangebox structure 224 is adapted to facilitatemechanical slippage in the case where the load 114 attempts to backdrive the prime mover 102 through the transmission 101.

Passing to FIGS. 3A and 3B now, various aspects of a transmission 600will now be discussed. In one embodiment, the transmission 600 caninclude a torque converter subassembly 800, a main shaft 1000, avariator 1200, a combining device 1400, a rangebox 1600, and atransmission housing 1800. The transmission housing 1800 can include abell housing 1810 (that is, a first housing portion) and a rear housing1820 (that is, a second housing portion) separably connected to the bellhousing 1810. In the embodiment illustrated, the torque convertersubassembly 800, the main shaft 1000, the variator 1200, the combiningdevice 1400, and the rangebox 1600 are operably mounted on or within thetransmission housing 1800 in an axially aligned manner. Thus, it isdisclosed herein that the transmission housing 1800 is configured forhousing and supporting various subassemblies and/or components of thetransmission 600. In other embodiments, any one of the torque convertersubassembly 800, the variator 1200, the combining device 1400, and therangebox 1600 can be arranged in a parallel shaft configuration relativeto the other components.

In some embodiments, the variator 1200 and the main shaft 1000 can beoperably coupled between a power output portion of the torque convertersubassembly 800 and power input portions of the combining device 1400.In operation, the torque converter subassembly 800 transfers power tothe variator 1200 through the main shaft 1000. The variator 1200supplies power to a first power input portion 1410 of the combiningdevice 1400. The main shaft 1000 supplies power to a second power inputportion 1405 of the combining device 1400. Power from the variator 1200and the main shaft 1000 can be supplied to the combining device 1400 ina selectively variable ratio (for example, power from the variator 1200in relation to power from the main shaft 1000) and can be combined bythe combining device 1400. The combining device 1400 delivers thecombined power to the rangebox 1600 via a power output portion 1401 ofthe combining device 1400. The power output portion 1401 can include acarrier of planetary gear set and/or a transfer shaft.

In one embodiment, the variator 1200 mounts on the main shaft 1000. Inone configuration, the variator 1200 and the main shaft 1000 form atorque split unit. More specifically, the ratio of torque transferred tothe combining device 1400 through the variator 1200 or through the mainshaft 1000 is selectively variable dependent upon a torque ratio settingof the variator 1200. To this end, the variator 1200 transfers power tothe combining device 1400 in a manner whereby the torque and/or therotational speed associated with that power is selectively andcontinuously variable (that is, adjustable). Thus, the variator 1200 canbe configured for receiving power of a first specification (for example,first torque and first rotational shaft speed) and outputting power of asecond specification (for example, second torque and second rotationalshaft speed).

The torque converter subassembly 800 is one embodiment of an inputinterface 104, for example, thereby providing the functionality oftransferring power from a prime mover attached to the torque convertersubassembly 800 to the variator 1200 via, for example, the main shaft1000. In other embodiments, a different type of input interface such as,for example, a manually controlled clutch subassembly, a computercontrolled clutch assembly, or a flywheel can be implemented in place ofthe torque converter subassembly 800. The combining device 1400 is anembodiment of an output interface, thereby providing the functionalityof combining power received from the variator 1200 and the main shaft1000 and transferring such power to the rangebox 1600. In oneembodiment, the rangebox 1600 receives power from the combining device1400 and outputs power in conjunction with providing one or more of thevarious gear selection and clutch engagement functionalities discussedabove in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As is discussed further below, therangebox 1600 in combination with the variator 1200 enables thetransmission 600 to operate in multiple modes (that is, a multi-modetransmission).

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 4, in one embodiment, the variator 1200 caninclude an input load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A, an outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B, an array ofplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100, a shift-cam-and-sunsubassembly 2200, and a stator-manifold subassembly 2300. In oneembodiment, the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 is supported by thestator-manifold subassembly 2300. The shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200is supported in a manner enabling the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200to be translated along a longitudinal axis LA1 of the main shaft 1000.The planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 are arrayed angularlyaround the main shaft 1000, and are supported jointly by theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 and the stator-manifold subassembly2300. Each one of the planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 issupported in a manner that facilitates synchronous rotation of all theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 about a respective referenceaxis TA1 extending through a planet 2102 of each one of theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100. Through such synchronousrotation, all of the planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 are inthe same relative rotational position at a given point in time. The axisTA1 (see FIG. 4) associated with each one of the planet-and-shift-leversubassemblies 2100 extends through a center point of the respectiveplanet 2102 substantially perpendicular to a radial reference axis RA1extending from the longitudinal axis LA1 through the center point of therespective planet 2102.

In some embodiments, the main shaft 1000 includes a first end portion1005, a central portion 1010 and a second end portion 1015. The firstend portion 1005 couples to a power output portion 805 of the torqueconverter assembly 800 (for example, an output hub of a converterturbine) in a manner precluding relative rotation of the main shaft 1000with respect to the power output portion 805. The central portion 1010of the main shaft 1000 couples to the input load-cam-and-traction-ringsubassembly 2000A in a manner precluding relative rotation of the mainshaft 1000 with respect to the input load-cam-and-traction-ringsubassembly 2000A. The second end portion 1015 of the main shaft 1000couples to the first power input portion 1405 of the combining device1400 in a manner precluding relative rotation of the main shaft 1000with respect to the first power input portion 1405. The outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B of the variator 1200couples to a second power input portion 1410 of the combining device1400 in a manner precluding relative rotation of the outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B with respect to the secondpower input portion 1410. Thus, the main shaft 1000 is suitablyconfigured for transferring power from the torque converter subassembly800 (a) directly to the combining device 1400, and (b) to the combiningdevice 1400 through the variator 1200.

Each of the planets 2102 is located by the inputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A, the outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B, and the shift-cam-and-sunsubassembly 2200. The main shaft 1000 can be configured to exert torqueon the input load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A. Throughtraction at a respective input traction interface TI1 between the inputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A and each planet 2102,torque is exerted by the input load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly2000A on the planets 2102, thereby causing each planet 2102 to rotateabout a respective planet axle 2104 (see FIG. 4). The input tractioninterface TI1 is defined, as used here, at a region of contact betweenthe input load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A and therespective planet 2102.

Through traction at a respective output traction interface TI2 betweenthe input load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B and each planet2102, torque is exerted by the planets 2102 on the outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B, thereby causing the outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B to rotate about the mainshaft 1000. The output traction interface TI2 is defined, as used here,at a region of contact between the output load-cam-and-traction-ringsubassembly 2000B and the respective planet 2102. As shown in FIG. 3A,the output load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B can be coupledto the combining device 1400. Accordingly, torque can be transferredfrom the main shaft 1000 to the combining device 1400 through thevariator 1200.

As discussed above in reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ratio of torquetransferred to the combining device 1400 through the variator 1200 orthrough the main shaft 1000 can be selectively variable dependent uponthe torque ratio of the variator 1200. The torque ratio refers to arelative position of the input traction interface TI1 and the outputtraction interface TI2, relative to the axis LA2, for a given tilt ofthe planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100. When the tangentialsurface velocity of the planets 2102 at the input traction interface TI1is the same as the tangential surface velocity of the planets 2102 atthe output traction interface TI2, the torque ratio is substantiallyequal to 1 and there is no corresponding torque multiplication. Throughtilting of the planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100, the ratio ofthe tangential surface velocity of the planets 2102 at the inputtraction interface TI1 to that of the tangential surface velocity of theplanets 2102 at the output traction interface TI2 is selectivelyadjustable. As discussed further below, the shift-cam-and-sunsubassembly can be configured such that translation of theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 causes such tilt of theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100. The direction of tilt of theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 from the positioncorresponding to the torque ratio of 1 dictates whether the torquemultiplication is greater than 1 (that is, torque output is greater thantorque input) or less than 1 (that is, torque input is greater thantorque output).

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 4, the input traction interface TI1 and theoutput traction interface TI2 are angularly equidistant relative to aradial reference axis RA1 extending through the tangential referenceaxis TA1. As a result, the torque ratio is 1 when a longitudinal axisLA2 of each planet 2102 is parallel with the longitudinal axis LA1 ofthe main shaft 1000. Such an equidistant configuration provides for abalanced adjustment range such that full adjustment of theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 in a first adjustmentdirection results in the same absolute torque multiplication value asfull adjustment in a second direction. In other embodiments, the inputtraction interface TI1 and the output traction interface TI2 may benon-equidistant from the reference axis TA1 when the torque ratio is 1.0and the longitudinal axis LA2 is parallel with the longitudinal axisLA1. Such a non-equidistant configuration provides for biasing of theadjustment range such that full adjustment of the planet-and-shift-leversubassemblies 2100 in the first adjustment direction results in adifferent absolute torque multiplication value than full adjustment inthe second adjustment direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 4-6, in one embodiment the variator 1200can be axially constrained on the main shaft 1000 between an axialreaction flange 1020 of the main shaft 1000 and an axial lock nut 1305(FIG. 4). The axial lock nut 1305 includes a threaded bore configuredfor mating with a corresponding threaded portion 1025 of the main shaft1000. The axial reaction flange 1020 can be fixedly attached to the mainshaft 1000 adjacent the second end portion 1015 of the main shaft 1000.The threaded portion 1025 can be an integral component of the main shaft1000, adjacent to the central portion 1010 of the main shaft 1000. Inone embodiment, the main shaft 1000 includes an anti-rock pilotingsurface 1028 configured for engaging a mating anti-rock piloting surfaceof the axial lock nut 1305 for limiting rocking of the axial lock nut1305 with respect to the main shaft 1000.

A first engagement extension 1030 at the first end portion 1005 of themain shaft 1000 can be configured for engaging or supporting a bearingassembly 810 (FIG. 3A) that interfaces with certain components of thetorque converter subassembly 800 or other support member. A secondengagement extension 1035 at the second end portion 1015 of the mainshaft 1000 can be configured for engaging or supporting a bearingassembly 1415 (FIG. 3A) that interfaces with certain components of thecombining device 1400. In some embodiments, the bearing assemblies 810,1415 include each only a bushing or a bearing component. In otherembodiments, the bearing assemblies 810, 1415 each include a bushing ora bearing component and a seal component configured to engage a matingsurface of the respective engagement extension 1030, 1035.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first end portion 1005 of the main shaft1000 can include torque converter engaging splines 1040 configured tocouple to mating splines of the power output hub of the torque converterassembly 800. The central portion 1010 of the main shaft 1000 includesinput load cam engaging splines 1045 configured to couple to matingsplines of the input-load-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A (that is,a power input portion) of the variator 1200. The second end portion 1015of the main shaft 1000 can include combining device engaging splines1050 configured to couple to mating splines of the first power inputportion 1405 of the combining device 1400. Thus, the main shaft 1000 canbe configured for transferring power from the torque convertersubassembly 800 directly to the combining device 1400, and to thecombining device 1400 through the variator 1200. A splined coupling isone example of a coupling suitable for precluding relative rotation ofthe main shaft 1000 with respect to the power output portion of thetorque converter subassembly 800, the power input portion of thevariator 1200, and the first power input portion 1405 of the combiningdevice 1400. However, other couplings can be used. A key and matingengagement coupling is another example of a suitable coupling.

In one embodiment, the main shaft 1000 can include a first channel 1055(FIGS. 3A, 4 and 6) for facilitating flow of a transmission fluid fromthe power output portion 805 of the torque converter subassembly 800 toan interface between the main shaft 1000 a transmission oil pump 806(FIG. 3A) of the torque converter subassembly 800. The main shaft 1000can include a second channel 1060 for enabling flow of lubricant to thevariator 1200 and/or to the combining device 1400.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-14, in one embodiment the inputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A can include an input loadcam 2005A, an input traction ring 2010A, a plurality of input load camrollers 2015A (FIG. 7), and an input load cam shroud 2020A. In oneembodiment, the input load cam 2005A is in splined engagement with themain shaft 1000, thereby facilitating the transfer of torque from themain shaft 1000 to the input load cam 2005A. The input load cam 2005Acan be configured to transfer torque to an input traction ring 2010A viathe plurality of input load cam rollers 2015A. The input load camrollers 2015A are engaged between the input load cam 2005A and the inputtraction ring 2010A. The input traction ring 2010A can be positionedbetween the input load cam rollers 2015A and the planets 2102. Torqueapplied to the input load cam 2005A by the main shaft 1000 istransferred from the input load cam 2005A to the input traction ring2010A through the load cam rollers 2015A.

In one embodiment, the input load cam 2005A can include a generallybowl-shaped body 2052A (see FIGS. 10-11) having a hub portion 2054A anda perimeter edge portion 2056A. In one embodiment, the hub portion 2054Aincludes a central bore 2058A having internal splines configured formating with the input load cam engaging splines 1045 (FIG. 5) of themain shaft 1000, thereby supporting the input load cam 2005A andenabling power to be transferred from the main shaft 1000 to thevariator 1200.

In one embodiment, a set of bi-directional ramps 2060A can be providedin a rear face 2062A of the perimeter edge portion 2056A. The ramps2060A can be configured for receiving one of the input load cam rollers2015A (FIG. 7) and cooperates with the respective input load cam roller2015A for applying an axial force and a tangential force on the inputtraction ring 2010A. In other embodiments, a cam roller retainer (notshown) can be provided to receive and support the input load cam rollers2015. Through such cooperation, rotation of the input load cam 2005Acauses the input load cam rollers 2015A to urge the input traction ring2010A into compressive engagement with the planets 2102 and to urge theinput traction ring 2010A into rotation about the longitudinal axis LA1of the main shaft 1000, thereby providing for torque transfer from theinput load cam 2005A to the planets 2102 via the input traction ring2010A.

Referencing FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the input traction ring2010A has a generally annular ring shape with a front face 2061A and aback face 2063A. The input traction ring 2010A includes a contactsurface 2065A that engages the planets 2102 (one shown in FIG. 7). Theinput traction interface TI1 is the region of contact between thecontact surface 2065A of the input traction ring 2010A and each one ofthe planets 2102 (one shown in FIG. 7). Through traction at each inputtraction interface TI1 torque imparted to the input traction ring 2010Aby the input load cam 2005A is transferred to the planets 2102, therebycausing each planet 2102 to rotate about the respective planet axle2104. Preferably, but not necessarily, traction at each input tractioninterface TI1 is provided through an elastohydrodynamic layer formed bya traction fluid. The contact surface 2065A is generally angled relativeto the front face 2061A, such that the profile of the contact surface2065A mates efficiently with a curvature of each planet 2102. The angleof inclination between the front face 2061A and the contact surface2065A can be between about 5 degrees and 75 degrees, more preferablybetween about 15 degrees and 65 degrees, even more preferably betweenabout 30 degrees and 55 degrees, and most preferably between about 35degrees and 50 degrees.

The back face 2063A can include a radiused groove 2067A configured forreceiving the load cam rollers 2015A to facilitate torque transfer fromthe input load cam 2005A to the input traction ring 2010A. It isdisclosed herein that an input traction ring can include the set ofbi-directional ramps, and an input load cam can include the radiusedgroove. In other embodiments, the input traction ring and the input loadcam both have ramps.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, in some embodiments, radially extending ribs2064A can be attached to a front face 2066A of the body 2052A, extendinggenerally from the perimeter edge portion 2056A to the hub portion2054A. A cylindrically shaped flange 2068A extends from the front face2066A. The cylindrically shaped flange 2068A intersects the radiallyextending ribs 2064A. The radially extending ribs 2064A and thecylindrically shaped flange 2068A jointly and individually enhancestiffness of the bowl-shaped body 2052A and serve as cooling fins fordissipating heat. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the radiallyextending ribs 2064A can be used to facilitate the sensing of rotationalspeed of the input load cam 2005A.

Referencing FIGS. 11, 12, and 14, a recess 2070A in a front face 2071Aof the hub portion 2054A is configured for receiving an anti-rockingdevice 2072A (FIG. 12) such as, for example, a bushing, a bearing or asleeve, which serves to limit rocking of the input load cam 2005A withrespect to the main shaft 1000. A preloading spring recess 2076A and athrust bearing recess 2078A are provided in a rear face 2079A of the hubportion 2054A. The preload spring recess 2076A is configured forreceiving a preloading spring 2083A (FIG. 7), and the thrust bearingrecess 2078A is configured for receiving a thrust bearing 2085A (FIG.7). Jointly, such a preloading spring and thrust bearing arrangementserves to exert a reactive preload force between the input load camassembly 2000A, the stator-manifold subassembly 2300 and the output loadcam assembly 2000B when the preloading spring 2083A is compressed.Examples of the preloading spring 2083A include, but are not limited to,a Bellville washer, a wavy washer, a helical compression spring andother suitably configured spring members. Examples of the thrust bearing2085A include, but are not limited to, a roller thrust bearing, a thrustbushing, and other devices suitably configured for carrying a thrustload.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 12, 14, 15 and 16, a plurality of dowel pinholes 2069A (FIGS. 12 and 14) in the front face 2071A can be configuredfor receiving one or more dowel pins (not shown) to facilitate couplingof the axial lock nut 1305 (FIGS. 7, 15 and 16) to the input load cam2005A for preventing unintentional loosening of the axial lock nut 1305.As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the axial lock nut 1305 can have a threadedbore 1306 configured for engaging the corresponding threaded portion1025 of the main shaft 1000. In on embodiment, the axial lock nut 1305can be provided with a polygonal-shaped (for example, hexagonal) outerperiphery portion 1307 configured to engage a tool for manipulating theaxial lock nut 1305. A plurality of notches 1309 (for example, dowelengaging features) can be provided in the outer periphery portion 1307for engaging dowels (not shown) received within one of the dowel pinholes 2069A. Such engagement facilitates selective angular positioningand constraining of the axial lock nut 1305 with respect to the loadinput cam 2005A, which is useful for preventing unintentional looseningof the axial lock nut 1305. A circumferential groove 1311 exposed at anexterior surface 1312 of the axial lock nut 1305 can be configured toreceive a retaining device (not shown) such as, for example, a snap ringto retain the one or more dowels within respective ones of the dowel pinholes 2069A. When engaged within the circumferential groove 1311, theretaining device prevents the dowels from unintentionally backing out ofthe respective dowel pin holes 2069A. An extension portion 1313 of theaxial lock nut 1305 includes an anti-rock piloting surface 1315 (thatis, a reaction surface) that engages the mating anti-rock pilotingsurface 1028 (FIG. 5) of the main shaft 1000 for limiting rocking of theaxial lock nut 1305 with respect to the main shaft 1000.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10-14, the input load cam shroud 2020A includesa bowl-shaped body 2082A having perimeter flanges 2084A. The input loadcam shroud 2020A is mountable over the front face 2066A of the inputload cam 2005A. When so mounted, each one of the perimeter flanges 2084Acan be positioned between a respective adjacent pair of the radiallyextending ribs 2064A, and the hub portion 2054A is exposed within acentral opening 2086A of the body 2082A. The radially extending ribs2064A can include a recessed portions 2088A (FIG. 12) that receives ashoulder 2090A (FIG. 12) extending between adjacent ones of theperimeter flanges 2084A. The input load cam shroud 2020A can be mountedon the input load cam 2005A to, among other things, reduce the potentialfor the radially extending ribs 2064A to generate unwanted fluiddynamics (for example, air and/or lubricant drag).

FIGS. 17-19 show an alternative embodiment of an input load cam, whichis referred to herein as the input load cam 3005A. The input load cam3005A is suitably configured for being used in place of the input loadcam 2005A discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 13-14. The inputload cam 3005A includes a generally bowl-shaped body 3052A having a hubportion 3054A and a perimeter edge portion 3056A. In some embodiments,the body 3052A has a conical shape. The hub portion 3054A can include acentral bore 3058A having splines configured to mate with splines of thecentral portion 1010 of the main shaft 1000 (FIG. 4), therebyfacilitating power transfer from the main shaft 1000 to the variator1200. A set of bi-directional ramps 3060A can be provided in a rear face3062A of the perimeter edge portion 3056A. The ramps 3060A can beconfigured for receiving the input load cam rollers 2015A (FIG. 7) andto cooperate with the input load cam rollers 2015A for applying an axialforce and a tangential force on the input traction ring 2010A. Throughsuch cooperation, the ramps 3060A facilitate torque transfer from theinput load cam 3005A to the input traction ring 2010A.

Radial fins 3064A can be attached to a front face 3066A of the body3052A, extending outwardly from the perimeter edge portion 3056A. Theradial fins 3064A serve, among other things, as cooling fins fordissipating heat. Furthermore, the radial fins 3064A can be used forfacilitating the sensing of the rotational speed of the input load cam3005A. The input load cam shroud 2020A of FIGS. 10-12 is compatible withthe input load cam 3005A. The input load cam shroud 2020A can be mountedon the input load cam 3005A; however, in some embodiments, the inputload cam shroud 2020A is not used.

A recess 3070A (FIGS. 11, 12 and 14) in a front face 3071A of the hubportion 3054A can be configured for receiving an anti-rock device suchas, for example, the anti-rock device 3072A shown in FIG. 12. Apreloading spring recess 3076A and a thrust bearing recess 3078A areprovided in a rear face 3079A of the hub portion 3054A. The preloadingspring recess 3076A is configured for receiving the preloading spring2083A (FIG. 7), and the thrust bearing recess 3078A is configured forreceiving the thrust bearing 2085A (FIG. 7). Jointly, such a preloadingspring and thrust bearing arrangement serves to, among other things,exert a reactive preload force between the input load cam assembly2000A, the stator-manifold subassembly 2300, and the output load camassembly 2000B. A plurality of dowel pin holes 3069A (FIGS. 18 and 19)in the front face 3071A can be configured for receiving dowel pins (notshown) to facilitate coupling of the axial lock nut 1305 (FIGS. 7, 15and 16) to the input load cam 3005A for preventing unintentionalloosening of the axial lock nut 1305.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-26 the output load-cam-and-traction-ringsubassembly 2000B can include an output load cam 2005B, an outputtraction ring 2010B, a plurality of output load cam rollers 2015B (FIG.20), an output load cam shroud 2020B, an output load cam bearingassembly 2022B, and a bearing support adapter 2024B. The output load cam2005B can be mounted on the main shaft 1000 through use of the outputload cam bearing assembly 2022B and the bearing support adapter 2024B.As shown in FIG. 20, the output load cam bearing assembly 2022B fitsbetween the output load cam 2005B and the bearing support adapter 2024B.In one embodiment, the output load cam bearing assembly 2022B can beaxially constrained by corresponding structural features of the outputload cam 2005B and the bearing support adapter 2024B.

Referencing FIGS. 25-26, in one embodiment, the bearing support adapter2024B can include a central bore 2025B configured for engaging a matingsurface 1065 (FIGS. 5 and 20) of the main shaft 1000. The bearingsupport adapter can include a shoulder 2026B configured to abut againstthe axial reaction flange 1020 of the main shaft 1000 to react axialloads that arise in the variator 1200. The shoulder 2026B is accessiblethrough a first face 2016B of the bearing support adapter 2024B. Thebearing adapter 2024B can be mounted on the main shaft 1000 by, forexample, an interference fit, press fit, or close tolerance clearancefit with the mating support surface 1065 of the main shaft 1000. Aflange 2027B of the bearing support adapter 2024B can be adapted toreact axial loads from the output load cam bearing assembly 2022B. Inone embodiment, the bearing support adapter 2024B can include a pilotingsurface 2029B that pilots on, or alternatively provides clearance withrespect to, the axial reaction flange 1020. The bearing support adapter2024B can include a recess 2077B for receiving and supporting a spring2087B (see FIG. 20). The spring 2087B can be a Bellville spring forproviding preloading.

A bearing support surface 2028B of the bearing support adapter 2024B canbe configured to support the output load cam bearing assembly 2022B. Thebearing support adapter 2024B can include a preloading spring recess2076B and a thrust bearing recess 2078B, which are both accessiblethrough a second face 2018B of the bearing support adapter 2024B. Thepreloading spring recess 2076B is configured for receiving a preloadingspring 2083B (FIG. 20), and the thrust bearing recess 2078B isconfigured for receiving a thrust bearing 2085B (FIG. 20). Jointly, sucha preloading spring and thrust bearing arrangement serves to exert areactive preload force between the input load cam assembly 2000A, thestator-manifold subassembly 2300, and the output load cam assembly2000B, when the preloading spring 2083B is compressed. Examples of thepreloading spring 2083B include, but are not limited to, a Bellvillewasher, a wavy washer, a helical compression spring, and other suitablyconfigured spring members. Examples of the thrust bearing 2085B include,but are not limited to, a roller thrust bearing, a thrust bushing, andother devices suitably configured for carrying a thrust load. In someembodiments, the thrust bearing recess 2078B receives a bearing raceadapted to cooperate with a needle bearing, which couples to a bearingrace 4243 that is integral with, or positioned adjacent to, the stator4200 (see FIG. 56).

In one embodiment, the output load cam 2005B is coupled to the outputtraction ring 2010B via the output load cam rollers 2015B, which can bepositioned between the output load cam 2005B and the output tractionring 2010B. The output traction ring 2010B is placed between the outputload cam rollers 2015B and the planets 2102. Torque exerted on theoutput traction ring 2010B by the planets 2102 is transferred from theoutput traction ring 2010B to the output load cam 2005B through the loadcam rollers 2015B.

In some embodiments, the output load cam 2005B can include a generallybowl-shaped body 2052B having a hub portion 2054B and a perimeter edgeportion 2056B. The hub portion 2054B includes a central bore 2058Bhaving splines 2059B configured to mate with splines of the second powerinput portion 1410 of the combining device 1400 (FIG. 3A), therebyfacilitating power transfer from the variator 1200 to the combiningdevice 1400. The hub portion 2054B can also include a bearing recess2057B configured for receiving an outer race of the output load cambearing assembly 2022B (FIG. 20).

A set of bi-directional ramps 2060B is provided in a rear face 2062B ofthe perimeter edge portion 2056B. The ramps 2060B can be configured forreceiving the output load cam rollers 2015B (FIG. 20) and forcooperating with the output load cam rollers 2015B for, among otherthings, applying an axial force on the output traction ring 2010B.Through such cooperation, rotation of the output traction ring 2010Bcauses the output load cam rollers 2015B to urge the output tractionring 2010B into compressive engagement with the planets 2102 and to urgethe output load cam 2005B into rotation about the longitudinal axis LA1of the main shaft 1000, thereby providing for torque transfer from theplanets 2102 to the output load cam 2005B. Radially extending ribs 2064Bcan be attached to a front face 2066B of the body 2052B, extendinggenerally from the perimeter edge portion 2056B to the hub portion2054B. The radially extending ribs 2064B enhance stiffness of the body2052B and serve as cooling fins for dissipating heat, among otherthings. Furthermore, the radially extending ribs 2064 can be used forfacilitating the sensing of rotational speed of the output load cam2005B. In some embodiments, the output load cam 2005B can include a hubportion 2054B configured to engage the second power input portion 1405of the combining device 1400 in a manner precluding relative rotation ofthe output load cam 2005B with respect to the second power input portion1405. In this manner, the interface between the output load cam 2005Band the second power input portion 1405 enables power transfer from thevariator 1200 to the combining device 1400.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, in one embodiment, the output load camshroud 2020B can include a bowl-shaped body 2082B having perimeterflanges 2084B. The output load cam shroud 2020B is mountable over thefront face 2066B of the output load cam 2005B. When so mounted, each oneof the perimeter flanges 2084B is positioned between a respectiveadjacent pair of the radially extending ribs 2064B, and the hub portion2054B of the output load cam 2005B is exposed within a central opening2086B of the body 2082B. The radially extending ribs 2064B can include arecessed portions 2088B (FIG. 24) that receive shoulders 2090B extendingbetween adjacent ones of the perimeter flanges 2084B. The shroud 2020Bcan be mounted on the output load cam 2005B to, among other things,reduce the potential for the radially extending ribs 2064B to generateundesired fluid dynamics.

FIGS. 27-29 show an alternative embodiment of an output load cam, whichis referred to herein as the output load cam 3005B. The output load cam3005B is suitably configured for being used in place of the output loadcam 2005B discussed above in reference to FIGS. 4 and 20-23. In oneembodiment, the output load cam 3005B includes a generally bowl-shapedbody 3052B having a hub portion 3054B and a perimeter edge portion3056B. The hub portion 3054B includes a central passage 3058B havingsplines 3059B configured to mate external splines of the second powerinput portion 1405 of the combining device 1400, thereby facilitatingpower transfer from the variator 1200 to the combining device 1400. Inone embodiment, the hub portion 3054B can also include a bearing recess3057B configured for receiving an outer race of the output load cambearing assembly 2022B (FIG. 20). In some embodiments, a set ofbi-directional ramps 3060B can be provided in a rear face 3062B of theperimeter edge portion 3056B. The ramps 3060B can be configured forreceiving the output load cam rollers 2015B (FIG. 20) and to cooperatewith the output load cam rollers 2015B for applying an axial force onthe output traction ring 2010B and the output load cam 3005B. Throughsuch cooperation, the ramps 3060B enable torque transfer from the outputtraction ring 2010B to the output load cam 3005B. In some embodiments,radial fins 3064B are attached to a front face 3066B of the body 3052B,extending outwardly from the perimeter edge portion 3056B. The radialfins 3064B serve as cooling fins for dissipating heat. Furthermore, theradial fins 3064B can be used for facilitating the sensing of rotationalspeed of the output load cam 3005B. The shroud 2020B of FIG. 24 iscompatible with the output load cam 3005B. The shroud 2020B can bemounted on the output load cam 3005B to, among other things, reduce thepotential for the radial fins 3064B to generate undesirable fluiddynamics.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-33, in one embodiment, each one of theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 includes a planet 2102rotatably mounted on a planet axle 2104, which can be positioned on aplanet central bore 2103. Spaced apart planet bearings 2108, an innerspacer 2110, and outer spacers 2112 can mount coaxially on the planetaxle 2104. In some embodiment, the inner spacer 2110 is positionedbetween the planet bearings 2108, and each one of the planet bearings2108 is positioned between a respective one of the outer spacers 2112and the inner spacer 2110. Accordingly, each planet 2102 is rotatablymounted on a respective planet axle 2104 in a load-bearing and rotatablemanner. It is disclosed herein that the present invention is not limitedto a particular planet bearing and spacer arrangement for rotatablymounting each planet 2102 on the respective planet axle 2104. Forexample, in some embodiments, a planet bearing and spacer arrangementusing more than two or less two planet bearings and more than two orless spacers (that is, inner position and/or outer position) can beimplemented.

Planet axle shift levers 2106 (“shift levers 2106”) can be fixedlyattached to opposing end portions 2107 of the planet axle 2104 such thatthe planet 2102 is positioned between the shift levers 2106. The planetaxle 2104 extends through a planet axle bore 2111 (see FIGS. 32 and 33)of each shift lever 2106. In one embodiment, the opposing end portions2107 include a skew roller shoulders 2109 on which skew rollers 2122mount. Each skew roller 2122 can be held in place by a washer 2124 and aclip ring 2126, which clip ring 2126 can be engaged within a groove inthe skew roller shoulder 2109. It is disclosed herein that, in someembodiments, a shift lever 2106 can include one or more features (notshown) such as, for example, a recess, a channel, etc., for providingclearance with other components of the variator 1200.

As shown in FIGS. 30-33, in some embodiments, a shift guide roller axle2116 can be engaged within a shift guide roller axle bore 2117 (FIG. 33)of each shift lever 2106 and within a corresponding axle capturingfeature 2119 (FIGS. 32 and 33) of the planet axle 2104. In oneembodiment, the shift guide roller axle bore 2117 intersects and isgenerally perpendicular to the planet axle bore 2111. The shift guideroller axle bore 2117 is adjacent to a first end portion 2121 of theshift lever 2106. Examples of the axle capturing feature 2119 include,but are not limited to, a feature generally characterized as a notch, acut out, a channel, a seat, or the like. The shift guide roller axle2116 and the corresponding axle capturing feature 2119 can be configuredfor limiting (for example, substantially precluding) radial displacementof the shift guide roller axle 2116 with respect to the engaged axlecapturing feature 2119. Thus, such mating configuration of the shiftguide roller axle 2116 and the corresponding axle capturing feature 2119limits displacement of the shift lever 2106 along the longitudinal axisLA2 of the planet axle 2104 when the shift guide roller axle 2116 ismounted on the planet axle 2104 with the shift guide roller axle 2116engaged within the shift guide roller axle bore 2117 and thecorresponding axle capturing feature 2119 (FIGS. 32 and 33). Shift guiderollers 2114 can be mounted on opposing end portions of each shift guideroller axle 2116. Each shift guide roller axle 2116 can be secured inplace by, for example, washers 2118 and clip rings 2120, which cliprings 2120 can be engaged within a groove 2191 of the shift guide rolleraxle 2116. In other embodiments, the shift guide roller axle 2116 can besecured by, for example, an interference fit, press fit, etc.

At a second end portion 2125 of each shift levers 2106, a rollerreceiving channel 2129 is provided. A shift cam roller 2128 ispositioned in the roller receiving channel 2129. A shift cam roller axle2130 extends through the shift cam roller 2128 and into engagement withaxle receiving passages 2131 (FIG. 33). The shift cam roller axle 2130can be secured in place through an interference fit with the respectiveaxle receiving passages 2131. In other embodiments, securing means suchas a clip and groove arrangement can be implemented.

Referring to FIGS. 32-35, in one embodiment, the planet axle 2104 canhave a through central bore 2134 and transverse channels 2142 in asubstantially cylindrical body 2132. The transverse channels 2142, amongother things, enable fluid communication between the central bore 2134and the space external of the planet axle 2104, thereby allowing forlubrication of the bearings 2108. The skew roller shoulders 2109, whichare provided for receiving the skew rollers 2122, are defined by areduction in diameter of the cylindrical body 2132. Grooves 2140 areprovided in the skew roller shoulders 2109 for receiving the clip rings2126 that constrain the skew rollers 2122 (FIG. 32). It is disclosedherein that, in other embodiments, the cylindrical body 2132 has agenerally uniform diameter from over its entire length, such thatreduction in diameter defining the skew roller shoulders 2109 is omittedand the skew rollers 2122 are corresponding configured for mating withuniform diameter of the cylindrical body 2132.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 37-43, in one embodiment, theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 can include sun 2202, bearings 2204,shift cams 2206, control pistons 2208, piston tube 2210, shim 2212,inner seals 2214, and outer seals 2216. As shown in FIGS. 30, 37 and 38,in some embodiments, the control pistons 2208 are coupled to the shiftcams 2206 through the piston tube 2210. The control pistons 2208 and theshift cams 2206 can be mounted on the piston tube 2210 by, for example,a press-fit interface. The sun 2202 can be operationally coupled to theshift cams 2206 through the bearings 2204. The bearings 2204 can beconfigured to transfer axial and radial loads between the sun 2202 andthe shift cams 2206. The sun 2202 and the shift cams 2206 can beconfigured to receive the bearings 2204. The inventive embodiments arenot limited to bearings of a particular type. For example, an angularcontact bearing is a suitable bearing type for the bearings 2204.

In one embodiment, the shim 2212 is positioned between the shift cams2206 for setting a desired axial clearance between the sun 2202 and theshift cams 2206. Such clearance facilitates relative rotation betweenthe shift cams 2206 and the sun 2202 without allowing contact betweenadjacent surfaces. In other embodiments, a plurality of shims can beused for achieving the desired clearance between the sun 2202 and theshift cams 2206. In still other embodiments, the shim 2212 can beomitted and the shift cams 2206 and/or sun 2202 can be manufactured in amanner to achieve suitable clearance between the sun 2202 and the shiftcams 2206.

As shown in FIGS. 37-39, in one embodiment, the sun 2202 can have a body2218 having a generally cylindrical outer diameter and internal recesses2222 for receiving the bearings 2204. As shown, the sun 2202 can have acentral shoulder 2220 that facilitates axial constraint of the bearings2204, thereby limiting an insertion depth of each one of the bearings2204 within the respective one of the recesses 2222. The inventiveembodiments are not limited to particular ways for positioning thebearings 2204 with respect to the body 2218. For example, in otherembodiments, a bearing 2204 has an outer race with an integralpositioning flange that engages an exterior edge face 2223 of the sun2202. In still other embodiments, the recesses 2222 have a tapered faceand each one of the bearings 2204 has an outer race with a taperedexterior surface that engages the tapered face of the respective one ofthe recesses 2222. In still other embodiments, a discrete spacer can beused to facilitate proper spacing between the bearings 2204. In yetother embodiments, the outer races of the bearings 2204 can be formedintegral with the sun 2202, and/or the inner races of the bearing 2204can be formed integral with the shift cam extensions 2206.

As shown in FIGS. 37, 38, 40 and 40A, in one embodiment, the shift cam2206 can include a shift cam profile 2224, which are adapted to guidethe motion of the shift cam rollers 2128. One embodiment of data pointsdefining a shape of the shift cam profile 2224 is shown in the table ofFIG. 41. The X-dimension refers to an axial distance between a referencesurface 2225 and the shift cam profile 2224. The Y-dimension refers to aradial distance between a longitudinal centerline axis of a central bore2228 of the shift cam 2206 and the shift cam profile 2224. In someembodiments, the shift cam 2206 includes a shift cam extension 2226having an exterior face 2227 configured to receive a respective one ofthe bearings 2204, and having an interior face 2229 configured to engagean exterior face 2252 of the piston tube 2210. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the shift cam extension 2226 includes a lubrication flowenhancing feature 2232 such as, for example a cut-out or notch. In oneembodiment, a rear face 2230 of the shift cam 2206 opposite to the shiftcam profile 2224 is configured to be slightly angled relative to thereference surface 2225 for, among other things, promoting the flow oflubricant in the general area of the bearings 2204 and to maintain adesired clearance between the rear face 2230 of the shift cam 2206 andthe exterior surfaces 2223 (FIG. 39) of the sun 2202.

As shown in FIGS. 37, 38 and 42, in one embodiment, a control piston2208 has a central bore 2249 configured for engaging an exterior face2254 (FIGS. 37 and 38) of the piston tube 2210. In some embodiments, thecontrol piston 2208 has an internal recess 2250 and an external neck2248 each configured for receiving and supporting the inner seal 2214and the outer seal 2216, respectively. The control piston 2208 has apiston face 2240 on which control fluid pressure exerts force. In oneembodiment, the control piston 2208 includes a number of recesses 2242,wherein a recess 2242 can be configured to provide clearance for thesecond end portion 2125 (FIG. 33) of a respective shift lever 2106. Sidefaces 2244 of the recess 2242 can be configured to substantiallyconstrain movement of the second end portion 2125 of the shift lever2106, thereby limiting rotation of the respective shift lever 2106 aboutthe longitudinal axis LA1 of the variator 1200. In some embodiments, thecontoured shape of the recess 2242 can be used as a detectable proximitysurface that facilitates the determination of a relative position of thecontrol piston 2208 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA1. Ananti-rotation feature 2246 (for example, a groove, pin, seat slot, etc.)can be provided in an exterior face of the control piston 2208 forengaging a mating anti rotation feature of an adjacent variatorcomponent to limit rotation of the control piston 2208 about thelongitudinal axis LA1.

As shown in FIGS. 38 and 43, in one embodiment, the piston tube 2210 caninclude exterior faces 2252, 2254 and a central bore 2256. The faces2252 can be configured to receive the shift cams 2206, and the faces2254 can be configured to receive the control pistons 2208. The outsidediameter of the faces 2254 is nominally the same as each other, and theoutside diameter of the faces 2252 are nominally the same as each other.In one embodiment, the outside diameter of the faces 2252 is slightlysmaller than the outside diameter of the faces 2252, which precludeshaving to press fit the shift cams 2206 over the respective outerengagement surface 2252 prior to press fitting it onto the respectiveinner engagement surface 2254. As is discussed further below, thecentral bore 2256 can be configured to receive mating portions of astator 4200A, 4200B (see FIG. 44) therein. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the piston tube 2210 has a shim receiving recess 2260 (forexample, a circumferential groove) for receiving a portion of the shim2212 (FIG. 38) and has an orifice 2259 for allowing passage oflubricant. Preferably, but not necessarily, the orifice 2259 is exposedwithin the shim receiving recess 2260.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-46, in one embodiment, the stator-manifoldsubassembly 2300 includes a center manifold 4000, a first stator 4200A,a second stator 4200B, a first oil galley 4400A and a second oil galley4400B. The first stator 4200A attaches to a first side face 4005 of thecenter manifold 4000, and the second stator 4200B attaches to a secondside face 4010 of the center manifold 4000. The first oil galley 4400Amounts on the first stator 4200A, and the second oil galley 4400B mountson the second stator 4200B. As used here, the terms “oil”, “lubricant”,“lubricating fluid,” and “traction fluid” are generally interchangeable.Where appropriate, it will be clear by the context that the fluid, orcondition, refers to lubrication rather than traction.

In one embodiment, the center manifold 4000 is configured for, amongother things, facilitating the stator-manifold subassembly 2300 beingfixedly mounted to the transmission housing 1800 of the transmission 600(FIG. 3A), supporting the stators 4200A, 4200B, distributing controlfluid and traction fluid to the variator 1200 (FIGS. 3A and 44), andhousing and supporting various sensors. Examples of such sensorsinclude, but are not limited to, sensors for sensing lubricanttemperature, pressure, and viscosity. In some embodiments, a sensor isprovided for sensing the position of the shift lever subassembly 2100relative to a surface on the stator 4200.

The stators 4200A, 4200B can be configured for, among other things,supporting the planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100, supporting theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200, and communicating control andtraction fluids. As discussed below, the planet-and-shift-leversubassemblies 2100 are each movably supported jointly by the stators4200A, 4200B and the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200. Theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 cooperates with the stators 4200A,4200B for facilitating control of movement of the planet-and-shift-leversubassemblies 2100. The oil galleys 4400A, 4400B are configured forspraying (that is, delivering) lubricant onto portions of theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100, the shift-cam-and-sunsubassembly 2200, and other components of the variator 1200.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-53, the center manifold 4000 includes a baseplate 4015 and a cover plate 4020. The base plate 4015 includes a firstside face 4016A and a second side face 4016B, and the cover plate 4020includes a first side face 4021A and a second side face 4021B. In oneembodiment, the plates 4015, 4020 are generally circularly shaped whenviewed in a direction perpendicular to a respective side face. In someembodiments, the plates 4015, 4020 each has a cut-out pattern 4025configured to generally surround the array of planet-and-shift-leversubassemblies 2100 (FIG. 44). The plates 4015, 4020 attach to each otherin a side-by-side configuration as shown in FIGS. 44-48 with the cut-outpattern of the base plate 4015 being aligned with the cut-out pattern ofthe cover plate 4020. The second side face 4016B of the base plate 4015abuts the first side face 4021A of the cover plate 4020 when the plates4015, 4020 are placed in the side-by-side configuration.

A first sensor cable groove 4027 and a second sensor cable groove 4029can be provided in the first side face 4016A of the base plate 4015.Example sensors corresponding to such sensor cables include, but are notlimited to, a gamma sensor, a fluid temperature sensor, and a speedmeasuring device sensor. The base plate 4015 includes bolt holes 4030(FIGS. 47, 49 and 50), and the cover plate 4020 includes bolt holes 4031(FIGS. 48, 52 and 53), which bolt holes 4030, 4031 are configured toreceive bolts (not shown) for securing the plates 4015, 4020 in theside-by-side configuration. As shown, in one embodiment, the bolt holes4030 are counterbored, and the bolt holes 4031 include threads forhaving a threaded portion of the respective bolt engaged therewith. Inother embodiments, the bolt holes 4030, 4031 can have differentconfigurations that still provide for securing the plates 4015, 4020 inthe side-by-side configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 47-49, 52 and 53, the plates 4015, 4020 preferably,but not necessarily, each include dowel pin holes 4035. The dowel pinholes 4035 of the base plate 4015 and the dowel pin holes 4035 of thecover plate 4020 are located in the same relative positions with respectto the cut-out pattern 4025. The dowel pin holes 4035 can be locatedradially in line with lubricant ports 4089, 4087 of the respective plate4015, 4020. Thus, engagement of dowel pins (not shown) within the dowelpin holes 4035 facilitates and simplifies proper alignment of the baseplate 4015 with the cover plate 4020.

In one embodiment, the base plate 4015 includes a footing 4040 (seeFIGS. 45-46 and 49-50) configured for cooperating with the transmissionhousing 1800 (FIG. 3A) to provide torque reaction at the footing 4040,thereby limiting movement of the base plate 4015 with respect to thetransmission housing 1800. Bolt holes 4043 receive bolts (not shown) forfastening the base plate 4015 to the transmission housing 1800. In someembodiments, the base plate 4015 includes locating pads 4045 that engagea mating structure (for example, a conformingly shaped recess,protruding ridge, etc.) of the transmission housing 1800. The locatingpads 4045 facilitate locating the base plate 4015 in the transmissionhousing 1800.

As shown in FIGS. 45, 47, and 49, in some embodiments, opposing ones ofthe locating pads 4045 include a cam wedge base 4050 that cooperateswith a corresponding cam dowel 4055 (see FIGS. 45 and 51A-51B) forfixedly engaging (for example, pressing) the base plate 4015 and/or thecover plate 4020 against one or more mating features of the transmissionhousing 1800. The cam wedge base 4050 is a generally flat surface thatis angled with respect to the first side face 4016A of the base plate4015. Through such engagement, the center manifold 4000 can bepositioned and, additionally, torque reaction can be provided adjacentone or more of the locating pads 4045 for limiting movement of the baseplate 4015 with respect to the transmission housing 1800.

As best shown in FIGS. 47-48 and 51A-51B, a cam dowel 4055 includes agenerally cylindrical shaped cam body 4057 having a first end portion4065 and a second end portion 4067. The first end portion 4065 includesa cam wedge 4069 and the second end portion 4067 has a generally flatface 4070 (that is, extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinalreference axis of the cam body 4057). The cam wedge 4069 includes a facethat is skewed with respect to the longitudinal reference axis of thecam body 4057. Preferably, but not necessarily, the face of the camwedge 4069 is generally flat. Preferably, but not necessarily, athreaded bore 4072 extends from the flat face 4070 at least partiallytoward the second end portion 4067. In use, for example, the cam dowel4055 resides within a threaded passage in a wall of the transmissionhousing 1800, with the cam wedge 4069 extending from within the threadedpassage into engagement with the cam wedge base 4050. The cam dowel 4055can be forced against the cam wedge base 4050 using, for example, asetscrew engaged within the threaded passage within the wall of thetransmission housing 1800. Through such forced engagement between thetapered faces of the cam wedge 4069 and the cam wedge base 4050, thecenter manifold 4000 bears against a mating feature of the transmissionhousing 1800, thereby limiting movement of the center manifold 4000 withrespect to the transmission housing 1800. The threaded bore 4072provides for engagement with a threaded extractor device forfacilitating removal of the cam dowel 4055 from a passage of thetransmission housing 1800.

In one embodiment, the plates 4015, 4020 are configured for routinglubricant and control fluid to the stators 4200A, 4200B. It is disclosedherein that the lubricant and the control fluid can be the same fluidused for different purposes (that is, lubricant and control). It isfurther disclosed herein that the lubricant and the control fluid can bethe same as the transmission fluid discussed above in reference to FIG.3A, which is advantageous in that it obviates the need to segregate suchfluids.

Referring to FIGS. 47-53, in some embodiments, the base plate 4015 caninclude lubricant flow passages (not shown) that extend between arespective lubricant inlet port 4076 and a respective lubricant outletport 4084, thereby facilitating lubricant flow between correspondinglubricant inlet ports 4076 and lubricant outlet ports 4084. In oneembodiment, the lubricant inlet ports 4076 receive lubricant from alubrication fluid pump apparatus (not shown) of the transmission 600 ora standalone lubrication fluid pump apparatus. In some embodiments, thebase plate 4015 can include a first control fluid passage (not shown)that extends between a first control fluid inlet port 4078 and a firstcontrol fluid outlet port 4091 to allow flow of control fluid betweenthe first control fluid inlet port 4078 and the first control fluidoutlet port 4091. The base plate 4015 can also include a second controlflow passage (not shown) that extends between a second control fluidinlet port 4080 and a second control fluid outlet port 4092 to allowflow of control fluid between the second control fluid inlet port 4080and the second control fluid outlet port 4092.

In one embodiment, each lubricant inlet port 4076, the first controlfluid inlet port 4078, and the second control fluid inlet port 4080 arelocated in a bottom edge face 4082 of the footing 4040, as shown in FIG.50. The control fluid outlet ports 4091, 4092 are in fluid communicationwith corresponding control fluid passages (not shown) that extendbetween the side faces 4016A, 4016B of the base plate 4015. A firstcontrol fluid port 4093 of the cover plate 4020 (FIGS. 52 and 53) alignswith the first control fluid outlet port 4091 of the base plate 4015,and a second fluid control port 4094 of the cover plate 4020 aligns withthe second control fluid outlet port 4092 of the base plate 4015 whenthe plates 4015, 4020 are positioned in the side-by-side configuration.

In one embodiment, the center manifold 4000 can be configured so thatlubricant flows from the lubricant inlet ports 4076 to the respectivelubricant outlet ports 4084 and then into a lubricant distributionchannel 4085 (FIG. 52) in the first side face 4021A of the cover plate4020. The lubricant distribution channel 4085 extends at least partiallyaround a perimeter region of the cover plate 4020. Branch lubricantchannels 4086 extend between the lubricant distribution channel 4085 andlubricant ports 4087 and/or between the lubricant distribution channel4085 and a respective lubricant spray port 4088. The lubricant ports4087 communicate with fluid passages (not shown) that extend between theside faces 4021A, 4021B of the cover plate 4020. The lubricant ports4087 align with lubricant ports 4089 when the plates 4015, 4020 arepositioned in the side-by-side configuration, thereby enabling the firststator 4200A to receive lubricant from the lubricant ports 4089, and thesecond stator 4200B to receive lubricant from the lubricant ports 4087.

A spray of lubricant can be provided from the lubricant spray ports 4088of the cover plate 4020, which can be directed at, for example, theoutput traction interface TI2 (FIG. 44) between the output traction ring2010B and the planets 2102 (one shown in FIG. 44). Similarly, the baseplate 4015 can include lubricant spray ports 4090 (see FIG. 49) thateach aligns with the lubricant distribution channel 4085 and/or arespective one of the branch lubricant channels 4086, therebyfacilitating the provision of a spray of lubricant from the lubricantspray ports 4090, which can be directed at, for example, the inputtraction interface TI1 (FIG. 44) between the input traction ring 2010Aand the planets 2102 (one shown in FIG. 44).

In one embodiment, the control fluid passages (not shown) extendingbetween the control fluid inlet ports 4078, 4080 and the respectivecontrol fluid outlet ports 4091, 4092 allow independent and selectivecommunication of control fluid with a control fluid pump apparatus (notshown) of the transmission 600 or stand alone apparatus. Through suchindependent and selective communication, a pressure differential betweenthe control fluid passages can be produced. As discussed further below,selective control of this pressure differential facilitates selectiveadjustment of a position of the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 (FIG.44) with respect to the longitudinal axis LA1 of the main shaft 1000.

As shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the stators 4200A, 4200B are preferably,but not necessarily, essentially identical in construction and will bothsometimes be referred to herein generically as the stator 4200.Referring to FIGS. 45, 46 and 54-59, in one embodiment, the stator 4200can include a number of shift lever guide flanges 4202, a plurality ofstator extensions 4204, and a control piston receiver 4206. In oneembodiment, the shift lever guide flanges 4202 attach to the controlpiston receiver 4206 in a radially extending and uniformly angularlyspaced manner. A planet axle passage 4208 extends between each adjacentpair of shift lever guide flanges 4202. The stator extensions 4204extend axially from a first side face 4210 of each shift lever guideflange 4202. The control piston receiver 4206 extends axially from asecond side face 4212 of each shift lever guide flange 4202. Preferably,but not necessarily, the shift lever guide flanges 4202, the statorextensions 4204, the control piston receiver 4206A, and the planet axlepassages 4208 are uniformly spaced and angularly arranged around alongitudinal axis LA3 of the control piston receiver 4206 whereby thestator 4200 is generally circularly shaped and symmetrical with respectto the longitudinal axis LA3. A center manifold engagement face 4213(FIG. 55) of each one of the stator extensions 4204 is substantiallyflat and extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axisLA3.

In some embodiments, the control piston receiver 4206 includes areceiver neck 4214, a receiver end face 4216, and a control pistonengaging member 4218. The control piston engaging member 4218 isgenerally a cylindrically shaped tubular body having an exterior surface4222 and an interior surface 4224. The interior surface 4224 defines acentral bore 4225 of the control piston engaging member 4216, whichreceives the main shaft 1000. A circumferential seal groove 4227 (FIGS.46 and 56-58) can be provided in the interior surface 4224 for receivinga seal (not shown) that engages a mating surface of the main shaft 1000.A control piston receiving chamber 4220 is defined between the receiverneck 4214, the receiver end face 4216, and the control piston engagingmember 4218. The exterior surface 4222 of the control piston engagingmember 4218 and an interior surface 4226 of the receiver neck 4214extend substantially parallel to each other and serve as control pistonsupport surfaces. The control piston receiving chamber 4220 isconfigured for receiving one of the control pistons 2208 (FIG. 36-38).The exterior surface 4222 of the control piston engaging member 4218 isconfigured (for example, has a sufficient smoothness and straightness)for forming a sealed interface with the inner seal 2214 of the controlpiston 2208, and the interior surface 4226 of the receiver neck 4214 isconfigured for forming a sealed interface with the outer seal 2216 ofthe control piston 2208. A longitudinal axis of the control pistonengaging member 4218 extends coincidentally with the longitudinal axisLA3 of the control piston receiver 4206. The surfaces 4222, 4226 areconcentric about the longitudinal axis LA3.

As best shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, a skew roller reaction surface 4228and a shift guide roller reaction surface 4230 are provided at opposingedges of each shift lever guide flange 4202. The skew roller reactionsurface 4228 is substantially flat and the shift guide roller reactionsurface 4230 is contoured. Examples of such contour include, but are notlimited to, semi-circular, parabolic, elliptical and angularly tapered.In one embodiment, the contour is circular and the center of its radiusof curvature is coincident with the center of tilt of the planet 2102.Adjacent skew roller reaction surfaces 4228 of adjacent shift leverguide flanges 4202 extend substantially parallel to each other andadjacent shift guide roller reaction surfaces 4230 of adjacent shiftlever guide flanges 4202 are substantially aligned.

As shown in FIGS. 54-57, in one embodiment, a control fluidcommunicating bolt hole 4232 can be provided in one of the statorextensions 4204. In addition to serving as a bolt hole for receiving abolt that secures the stator 4200 to the center manifold 4000 (that is,a stator securing bolt), the control fluid communicating bolt hole 4232can be configured to serve as a channel for fluid communication with thecontrol piston receiving chamber 4220. In some embodiments, a lubricantcommunicating bolt hole 4234 can be provided in a number of other statorextensions 4204. In addition to serving as a bolt hole for receiving abolt that secures the stator 4200 to the center manifold 4000, thelubricant communicating bolt hole 4234 can be configured to serve as achannel for providing lubricant to a planet/shift lever lubricant jet4236 in the stator extension 4204, to an oil galley feeding port 4238 inthe receiver neck 4214, and/or an output load cam assembly bearinglubricant jet 4240 in the receiver end face 4216.

As best shown in FIG. 56, in one embodiment, the control fluidcommunicating bolt hole 4232 has a stepped profile such that a firstportion of the control fluid communicating bolt hole 4232, which isexposed at the second side face 4212 of the respective shift lever guideflange 4202, has a relatively close clearance fit with the statorsecuring bolt and a second portion of the control fluid communicatingbolt hole 4232, which is exposed at the center manifold engagement face4213 of the stator extension 4204, has an oversize clearance fit withthe stator securing bolt. In this manner, the flow of control fluid pastthe stator securing bolt in the second portion of the control fluidcommunicating bolt hole 4232 is essentially unrestricted. Drill holes4242 that extend between the second portion of the control fluidcommunicating bolt hole 4232 and the control piston receiving chamber4220 in an intersecting manner form a control fluid channel between thecontrol fluid communicating bolt hole 4232 and the control pistonreceiving chamber 4220. The openings of the drill holes 4242 exposed atthe extension 4204, exterior surface of the receiver neck 4214, and atthe exterior surface of the receiver end face 4216 are plugged toprevent control fluid discharge therefrom.

In some embodiments, a lubricant communicating bolt hole 4234 has astepped profile such that a first portion of the lubricant communicatingbolt hole 4234, which is exposed at the second side face 4212 of therespective shift lever guide flange 4202, has a relatively closeclearance fit with the stator securing bolt and a second portion of thelubricant communicating bolt hole 4234, which is exposed at the centermanifold engagement face 4213 of the stator extension 4204, has anoversize clearance fit with the stator securing bolt. In this manner,the lubricant flow past the stator securing bolt in the second portionof the lubricant communicating bolt hole 4234 is essentiallyunrestricted. Drill holes 4244 that extend in an intersecting mannerbetween the second portion of the lubricant communicating bolt hole 4234and the oil galley feeding port 4238, and/or the bearing lubricant jet4240, form a lubricant channel between the lubricant communicating bolthole 4234 and such ports and/or jets. The opening of the drill holes4244 exposed at an exterior surface of the stator extensions 4204 can beplugged to prevent unintentional and/or undesirable lubricant dischargetherefrom. For example, if the stator 4200 does not provide the outputload cam bearing assembly 2022B (FIG. 20) with a dedicated supply oflubricant, the drill hole forming the output load cam assembly bearinglubricant jet 4240 is plugged.

In one embodiment, a drill hole 4246 (FIGS. 55, 57 and 59) extendingthrough one of the shift lever guide flanges 4202 and the receiver neck4214 forms a passage that can be used for routing wires and/or housing asensor (not shown) such as, for example, a proximity sensor whichcooperates with a contoured recess 2242 of the control piston 2208 forallowing a determination of the axial position of the control piston2208. The drill hole 4246 can be drilled from the outer diameter of theshift lever guide flange 4202 through the receiver neck 4214 into thecontrol piston receiving chamber 4220. Similarly, a set screw hole 4248can be formed in the receiver neck 4214 (for example, through one of theshift lever guide flanges 4202) for receiving an anti-rotation member(not shown) such as, for example, a set screw. The anti-rotation membercooperates with the groove 2246 (FIG. 38) of a respective control piston2208 for precluding rotation of the respective control piston 2208within the control piston receiving chamber 4220.

As shown in FIG. 55, the stator 4200 can include dowel pin holes 4250for facilitating proper positioning of the stator 4200 with the centermanifold 4000. In one embodiment, the dowel pin holes 4250 are locatedradially in line with the respective lubricant communicating bolt hole4234 of the stator 4200. The radial position of each dowel pin hole 4250is substantially the same as the radial position of each dowel pin hole4305 of the center manifold 4000. Accordingly, dowel pins (not shown) ofsuitable length engaged with the dowel pin holes 4035 are coupled withcorresponding dowel pin holes 4250, thereby facilitating properalignment of the stator 4200 with the center manifold 4000. Furthermore,such a dowel pin hole arrangement enables positioning of the stator 4200for aligning the control fluid communicating bolt hole 4232 of thestator 4200 with either one of the control fluid ports 4091, 4092 of thebase plate 4015 or with either one of the control fluid ports 4093, 4094of the cover plate 4020, depending on which one of the plates 4015, 4020the stator 4200 is engaged with. In this manner, for example, the firststator 4200A aligns with the first control fluid port 4091 of the baseplate 4015, and the second stator 4200B aligns with the second controlfluid port 4093 of the cover plate 4020, thereby allowing forcommunication of control fluid with the stators 4200A, 4200B.

Referring back to FIGS. 45-47 and 51-54, in one embodiment, the firststator 4200A engages the first side face 4005 of the center manifold4000 (FIGS. 45 and 46), and the second stator 4200B engages the secondside face 4010 of the center manifold 4000. More specifically, thecenter manifold engagement face 4213 (FIG. 55) of each stator extension4204 of the first stator 4200A engages the first side face 4016A (FIGS.46 and 49) of the base plate 4015, and the center manifold engagementface 4213 of each stator extension 4204 of the second stator 4200Bengages the second side face 4021B (FIGS. 48 and 53) of the cover plate4020. The first stator 4200A is placed such that the control fluidcommunicating bolt hole 4232 (FIGS. 54 and 55) of the first stator 4200Aaligns with the first control fluid passage 4091 (FIG. 47) of the baseplate 4015 and the lubricant distribution channel 4085 of the coverplate 4020 aligns with the lubricant port 4087 of the base plate 4015.In some embodiments, the second stator 4200B can be placed such thatcontrol fluid communicating bolt hole 4232 (FIGS. 53 and 54) of thesecond stator 4200B aligns with the second control fluid port 4094 (FIG.47) of the cover plate 4020 and the lubricant communicating ports 4234of the second stator 4200B align with the lubricant ports 4087 of thecover plate 4020. In this manner, control fluid can be communicated toand from the control piston receiving chamber 4220 of the first stator4200A independently of control fluid communicated to and from thecontrol piston receiving chamber 4220 of the second stator 4200B, andlubricant can be delivered to various ports and jets of the stators4200A, 4200B and oil galleys 4400A, 4400B independently of the controlfluid.

As shown in FIGS. 44-46, the oil galleys 4400A, 4400B are preferably,but not necessarily, essentially identical in construction and will bothsometimes be referred to herein generically as the oil galley 4400.Referring now to FIGS. 60-62, in one embodiment, the oil galley 4400 isgenerally circular and includes a central bore 4402, an annularlubricant channel 4404, a number of lubricant jet channels 4406, andlubricant flow passages 4408 (for example, a drill hole). The lubricantjet ports 4406 can be arranged in groupings (for example, linear,cluster, etc.) that are preferably, but not necessarily, spaced(example, uniformly) around the central bore 4402. Each group oflubricant jet ports 4406 can be in fluid communication with the annularlubricant channel 4404 by the respective lubricant flow passage 4408.The oil galley 4400 includes stator bolt clearance cutouts 4410configured to allow access to bolts engaged within the bolt holes 4232,4234 of the stators 4200 (FIGS. 45 and 46) that secure the stators 4200to the center manifold 2300.

In some embodiments, the central bore 4402 can be configured to engagethe exterior surface of the receiver neck 4214 (FIGS. 45 and 46) of arespective stator 4200 by, for example, a press fit interface. The oilgalley 4400 can be positioned on the receiver neck 4214 such that theannular lubricant channel 4404 aligns with the oil galley feeding port4238 (FIG. 56) of the stator 4200, thereby facilitating supplyinglubricant from the stator 4200 to the oil galley 4400. In oneembodiment, the oil galley 4400 is angularly oriented such that each oneof the groupings of the lubrication jet channels 4406 is aligned with arespective planet axle passage 4208 (FIGS. 45 and 54) of the respectivestator 4200. Accordingly, when lubricant is supplied to the oil galley4400 from the respective stator 4200A, 4200B a supply of lubricant issprayed into the respective planet axle passage 4208 for lubricatingcomponents of an associated planet-and-shift-lever subassembly 2100.

Referring back to FIGS. 45 and 46, in one embodiment, the stators 4200A,4200B and the center manifold 4000 are securely coupled in alignedorientation using a fastening structure such as, for example, a bolt andnut (not shown). For example, an elongated portion of a threadedfastening structure (such as the shank of the bolt) extends through thebolt holes 4232, 4234 of the stators 4200A, 4200B and the lubricantports 4087, 4089 of the center manifold plates 4015, 4020. The threadedfastening structure is tightened such that end portions of the threadedfastening structure (for example, the head of the bolt) apply acompressive force on the stators 4200 and the center manifold 4000 toform a substantially rigid support structure for components andsubassemblies to be mounted thereon. In some embodiments, sealingwashers are used under the bolt head and nut to seal the lubrication andcontrol fluid passages.

Passing to FIGS. 63 and 64 now, certain structure and functionality ofthe variator 1200 will be discussed. In some embodiments, a firstcontrol piston 2208A (FIG. 63) of the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200is slidably mounted within the control piston receiving chamber 4220(see FIGS. 56 and 57) of the first stator 4200A, and a second controlpiston 2208B (FIG. 63) of the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 isslidably mounted within the control piston receiving chamber 4220 thesecond stator 4200B. Through the selective control of control fluidvolume within the control piston receiving chambers 4220, theshift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 can be selectively and controllablydisplaced along the longitudinal axis LA1 of the main shaft 1000. Asdiscussed above, in on embodiment, the control pistons 2208A, 2208B areconstrained from rotation about the longitudinal axis LA1.

Simultaneous engagement of each planet 2102 (one shown in FIG. 63) withthe input traction ring 2010A, the output traction ring 2010B, and thesun 2202 constrains axially and radially the planet 2102 of eachplanet-and-shift-lever subassembly 2100. The planet 2102 is rotatablymounted on the respective planet axle 2104. The skew roller 2122 (FIG.63) of a planet-and-shift-lever subassembly 2100 engages skew rollerreaction surfaces 4228 of adjacent shift lever guide flanges 4202positioned within a respective planet axle passage 4208, therebysubstantially precluding rotation of the respectiveplanet-and-shift-lever subassembly 2100 about any radial axis extendingperpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA1. The two shift guide rollers2114 of each shift lever 2106 engage respective shift guide rollerreaction surfaces 4230. Accordingly, a first one of the shift guiderollers 2114 engages a shift guide roller reaction surface 4230 on afirst side of the respective planet axle passage 4208, and a second oneof the shift guide rollers 2114 engages a shift guide roller reactionsurface 4230 on a second side of the respective planet axle passage4208. The semi-circular shape of the shift guide roller reactionsurfaces 4230 and the corresponding engagement by the shift guiderollers 2114 serves to, among other things, substantially preclude axialdisplacement of the respective planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100with respect to relative to the longitudinal axis LA1, as well as toreduce the force needed to effect a tilting of the planet axles 2104. Itshould be noted that the shift guide roller reaction surfaces 4230cooperate with the shift guide rollers 2114 to react the shift forcesthat arise by the actuation of the planet-and-shift-lever subassemblies2100 by the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200.

Hence, in some embodiments, each planet-and-shift-lever subassembly 2100is substantially axially and radially constrained relative to thelongitudinal axis LA1, and constrained with respect to rotation aboutany radial axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA1.Conversely, each planet-and-shift-lever subassembly 2100 is pivotableabout the respective tangential reference axis TA1, which extendsthrough a center point of the respective planet 2102 substantiallyperpendicular to a radial reference axis extending from the longitudinalaxis LA1 through the center point of the respective planet 2102. In someembodiments, the planet 2102 is configured to freely move axially alongthe axis LA2 to allow for dimensional tolerances stack up between thetraction components and the shift reaction surfaces. Additionally, thecenter of rotation of the planet axle 2104 is not necessarily coincidentwith the center of rotation of the planet 2102; such configurationprevents, in some cases, efficiency losses, increased shift forces, oroutright binding of the variator 1200.

In some embodiments, the shift cam roller 2128 of each shift lever 2106couples to a cam surface of a respective shift cam 2206. A differentialcontrol fluid pressure between the control piston receiving chambers4220 causes an axial translation of the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly2200 along the axis LA1. Such axial translation results in force beingexerted on the shift cam rollers 2128 coupled to the shift cam 2206facing the direction of movement, thereby causing theplanet-and-shift-lever subassemblies 2100 to synchronously pivot aboutthe respective tangential reference axis TA1. The application of thesame control fluid pressure within the control piston receiving chambers4220 serves to hold the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200 in a givenposition due to equal and opposing reactive forces being applied by theshift cams 2206 on the respective shift cam roller 2128. Thus,adjustment of the speed ratio of the variator 1200 is facilitatedthrough axial translation of the shift-cam-and-sun subassembly 2200along the longitudinal axis LA1.

Various detailed aspects of the torque converter subassembly 800 and thebell housing 1810 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B areshown in FIGS. 65-67. In one embodiment, the bell housing 1810 includesa prime mover mounting portion 1812 and a rear housing mounting portion1814. The prime mover mounting portion 1812 can be configured forattachment to a structural portion of the prime mover (for example, aengine block, motor casing, etc.), and the rear housing mounting portion1814 can be configured for attachment to the rear housing 1820 of thetransmission housing 1800 (FIG. 3A). As previously discussed, the torqueconverter subassembly 800 is an embodiment of an input interface, whichis suitably configured for implementation between a prime mover (notshown) and the variator 1200.

In some embodiments, the torque converter subassembly 800 can include aflex plate assembly 802, a torque converter 804 (FIGS. 66 and 67), and atransmission fluid pump 806 (FIGS. 66 and 67). The flex plate assembly802 includes a flex plate 803 and starter gear ring 807 for enabling arotary apparatus (for example, a starter motor) to turn movingcomponents of the prime mover such as for starting the prime mover. Theflex plate 803 is configured for attachment to a power output portion(for example, a crankshaft or motor shaft) of the prime mover in amanner that precludes relative rotation of the flex plate 803 withrespect to the power output portion of the prime mover, thereby enablingtorque transfer from the prime mover to the flex plate 803. For example,the flex plate 803 typically connects to the prime mover with threadedfasteners (such as bolts).

In one embodiment, the torque converter 804 includes a converter torqueoutput portion 805 (FIG. 66), a torque converter housing 808, andvarious torque converting components (not shown) within the torqueconverter housing 808 that enable torque converter fluid within thetorque converter housing 808 to be conveyed within the housing 808 in amanner that transfers torque applied to the torque converter housing 808to the torque converter output portion 805. In some embodiments, thetorque converter output portion 805 includes a turbine and a splined hubthat fixedly attach to the turbine. The splined hub mates with thesplines of the first end portion 1005 (FIGS. 3A, 4 and 5) of the mainshaft 1000. The torque converter housing 808 is configured forattachment to the flex plate 803 in a manner that substantiallyprecludes relative rotation of the torque converter housing 808 withrespect to the flex plate 803, thereby facilitating torque transfer fromthe flex plate 803 to the torque converter housing 808. Examples of suchways for attaching the torque converter housing 808 to the flex plate803 include, but are not limited to, threaded fastener structures, pins,and the like.

The transmission fluid pump 806 includes a pump housing 812, a torqueinput shaft 814, and various fluid pumping components within the pumphousing that facilitate application of torque to the torque input shaft814 to cause transmission fluid to be drawn into the pump housing 812via a fluid supply input (not shown) and supplied from within the pumphousing 812 under pressure via a fluid outlet (not shown). The pumphousing 812 fixedly attaches to a pump mounting structure 815 of thebell housing 1820. The torque input shaft 814 attaches to the torqueconverter housing 808 in a manner that substantially precludes relativerotation of the torque input shaft 814 with respect to the torqueconverter housing 808, thereby facilitating torque transfer from thetorque converter housing 808 to the torque input shaft 814.

Various aspects of one embodiment of the combining device 1400 discussedabove in reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B are shown in FIGS. 68-71. Thecombining device 1400 can be an output interface, which is suitablyconfigured for implementation between the main shaft 1000, the variator1200, and the rangebox 1600. More specifically, the main shaft 1000 andthe variator 1200 supply power to the first power input portion 1405 andthe second power input portion 1410, respectively, of the combiningdevice 1400, and the power output portion 1422 of the combining device1400 supplies power to the rangebox 1600.

Referring to FIGS. 68-71, in some embodiments, the combining device 1400can include a hub 1416, a plurality of planet gears 1418, a plurality ofplanet gear axles 1419, a planet gear carrier 1420, a power outputportion (or a transfer shaft) 1422, a needle bearing 1424, a forwarddisk 1426, a rear disk 1428, a sun gear 1430, and a thrust ring 1432.The planet gears 1418 are each rotatably mounted on the planet gearcarrier 1420 via one of the planet gear axles 1419 (FIG. 71). Eachplanet gear 1418 is positioned within a pocket region of the planet gearcarrier 1420 and the respective planet gear axle 1419 is engaged withinrespective planet gear axle bores 1421 of the planet gear carrier 1420.The sun gear 1430 is positioned within the pocket region of the planetgear carrier 1420, and the teeth of the sun gear 1430 are configured toengage the teeth of the planet gears 1418. In one embodiment, the sungear 1430 includes a central bore having internal splines 1431, whichare configured to engage splines at the second end portion 1015 of themain shaft 1000.

In one embodiment, the transfer shaft 1422 includes splines 1434, 1436,1438, and 1440. The splines 1434 engage mating splines of an extensionportion 1442 of the planet gear carrier 1420. In one embodiment, theneedle bearing 1424 is mounted within a pocket of the transfer shaft1422. As shown in FIG. 3A, a tip of the main shaft 1000 engages theneedle bearing 1424, thereby providing an aligned and supportedinterface therebetween. As is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 73and 74, the splines 1436, 1438, and 1440 are engaged with matingcomponents of the rangebox 1600.

As best shown in FIGS. 70 and 71, the rear disk 1428 can be configuredto engage teeth adjacent a rear edge 1444 of the hub 1416, therebyprecluding relative rotation of the rear disk 1428 with respect to thehub 1416. The planet gear carrier 1420 is positioned within the hub 1416with a rear face of the planet gear carrier 1420 abutting the rear disk1428. The teeth of the planet gears 1418 engage mating interior teeth ofthe hub 1416. In this manner, the second power input portion 1410 of thecombining device 1400 includes the hub 1416. The thrust ring 1432 ispositioned within the hub 1416, abutting a front face of the planet gearcarrier 1420. The forward disk 1426 engages internal splines formed on afront edge 1446 of the hub 1416, thereby precluding relative rotation ofthe forward disk 1426 with respect to the hub 1416. Thus, the forwarddisk 1426 and the rear disk 1428 axially constrain the planet gearcarrier 1420, reacting axial thrust in either direction from the sungear 1430. A first circumferential groove 1448 and a secondcircumferential groove 1450 are provided adjacent the front edge 1446and the rear edge 1444, respectively, and are each configured forrespectively receiving a retention device such as, for example, arespective snap ring engaged therein for axially constraining the disks1426, 1428. Still referring to FIGS. 69-71, exterior splines 1435 can beprovided at the front edge 1446 of the hub 1416. The exterior splines1435 are configured for coupling to splines of the output load cam2005B, for example. In this manner, the combining device 1400 isconfigured for facilitating power transfer from the variator 1200 to thecoupling device 1400.

Various aspects of the interoperability of the variator 1200 and therangebox 1600 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 3-4 are shown inFIG. 72. In some embodiments, the main shaft 1000 can be coupleddirectly to the input load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A andto a first power input portion 1405 of the combining device 1400. Eachof the planets 2102 (one shown) is engaged between the inputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A, the outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B, and the sun 2202. Withrespect to the input load-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000A, theinput load cam 2005A couples to the input traction ring 2010A throughthe input load cam rollers 2015A. With respect to the outputload-cam-and-traction-ring subassembly 2000B, the output load cam 2005Bcouples to the output traction ring 2010B through the output load camrollers 2015B. The output load cam 2005B couples to the second powerinput portion 1410 of the combining device 1400.

In one embodiment, the transfer shaft 1422 of the combining device 1400couples to a direct clutch 1604 and to a sun gear 1606 of a firstplanetary gearset 1608 of the rangebox 1600. The first planetary gearset1608 is supported on a carrier 1609. A sun gear 1610 of a secondplanetary gearset 1612 is configured for being selectively coupled tothe transfer shaft 1422 through the direct clutch 1604 or to thetransmission housing 1800. The sun gear 1610 couples to the transmissionhousing 1800 through either a forward clutch 1614, via an overrun clutch1616 (for example, a one-way mechanical diode), or a low clutch 1618.The sun gear 1610 couples to the first planetary gearset 1608. A ringgear 1622 couples to the first and second planetary gearsets 1608, 1612and to a reverse clutch 1624 of the rangebox 1600. An output shaft 1626couples to the carrier 1609. Preferably, but not necessarily, the outputshaft 1626 and the carrier 1609 are one integral part.

In accordance with one embodiment, the rangebox 1600 is provided in avehicle having an engine supplying power to the transmission 600. Therangebox 1600 is controlled in conjunction with the variator 1200 forproviding the transmission 600 with multiple modes of operation, inwhich the shifting control of the variator 1200 is based on enginespeed, vehicle speed, and/or user commands. A first power trainoperating mode (for example, Mode 1) refers to the rangebox 1600 beingengaged in a low gear range. A second power train operating mode (forexample, Mode 2) refers to the rangebox 1600 being engaged in a highgear range with the variator 1200 in overdrive (that is, speed outputfrom the range box is greater than speed input to the range box).

Operationally, for a vehicle acceleration event from a standing start(meaning, operating in Mode 1), as the engine initially increases speed,the variator 1200 is maintained in an underdrive condition until theengine reaches a predetermined engine speed set point such as, forexample, 1800 revolutions-per-minute (rpm). Once the predeterminedengine speed set point is achieved, the engine speed is held constantwhile the variator 1200 shifts its torque ratio in a manner that causesthe vehicle speed to increase. Vehicle speed continues to increase untilthe variator 1200 reaches a torque ratio corresponding to maximumoverdrive, at which point, the engine speed increases up to apredetermined maximum engine speed (for example, maximum recommendedengine rpm, peak horsepower, etc.). Once the engine speed reaches themaximum set point engine speed, the rangebox 1600 is shifted from Mode 1to Mode 2, with the variator 1200 in overdrive. Following the rangebox1600 being shifted to Mode 2, the engine speed is initially decreased tocause synchronization between vehicle speed and engine speed. The enginecan then be controlled to increase speed further by increasing enginespeed with the variator in overdrive.

In one embodiment, one or more data processing units are programmed forfacilitating the operating modes discussed above. A power traincontroller, an engine controller, and/or a transmission controller areexamples of data processing units, which can be programmed for providingthe operating modes discussed above. Various sensors and control devicesare connected to the engine and/or transmission 600 for facilitating theimplementation of such modes of operation. In some embodiments, ahydraulic control structure having valving, among other things, can beused to convert electronic control algorithms to hydraulic andmechanical actuation of the variator 1200 and/or rangebox 1600.

Referring now to FIGS. 73 and 74, on embodiment of the rangebox 1600discussed above in reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 72 is provided. Therangebox 1600 can include an intermediate support 1640, a high and lowmode subassembly 1642, and a reverse mode subassembly 1644.

Various aspects of the rear housing 1820 of the transmission housing1800 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B are shown in FIGS.75-77. In one embodiment, a bell housing attachment portion 1816 of therear housing 1820 is configured for attachment to the rear housingmounting portion 1814 of the bell housing 1810. A tail housingattachment portion 1818 of the rear housing 1820 is configured forattachment with a tail housing (not shown) of the transmission 600 or toa housing of a related drivetrain subassembly.

In some embodiments, the rear housing 1820 includes an access port 1822configured for receiving and supporting a sensor (not shown) formonitoring speed of the input load cam 2005A. An access port 1824 isconfigured for receiving and supporting a sensor for monitoring speed ofthe output load cam 2005B. Passages 1826 are configured for receivingand supporting the cam dowels 4055 discussed above in reference to FIGS.45-51. In one embodiment, each passage 1826 is at least partiallythreaded for receiving a threaded fastener (for example, a setscrew)used for exerting a retention force on the respective cam dowel 4055. Asupport flange 1828 is provided within an interior space of the rearhousing 1820 for locating and axially supporting the center manifold4000 through engagement with the locating pads 4045 discussed above inreference to FIGS. 45-51. A center manifold footing engagement shoulder1830 is provided for engaging the footing 4040 of the center manifold4000. Threaded holes 1831 (one shown) are provided in the centermanifold footing engagement shoulder 1830 for attaching the footing 4040to the center manifold footing engagement shoulder 1830. In oneembodiment, to facilitate accurate positioning of the center manifold2305, while at the same time avoiding the need for a close tolerancealong the body of the rear housing 1820, a locating diameter 1832 isprovided within the interior space of the rear housing 1820. A series ofclutch splines 1834 and grooves 1836 are formed in interior wallsurfaces of the rear housing 1800 and are configured for receiving andsupporting various components and/or assemblies of the rangebox 1600(for example, clutches, gears, gearsets, snap rings, etc.).

In some embodiments, various ports are provided in a bottom wall 1838 ofthe rear housing 1820. Lubricant ports 1842 can be configured forcommunicating lubricant to the lubricant inlet ports 4076 of the baseplate 4015 of the center manifold 4000 (FIG. 50). First and secondcontrol fluid ports 1844, 1846 are provided for facilitating selectiveand independent communication of control fluid with, respectively, thefirst and second control fluid inlet ports 4078, 4080 of the base plate4015 (FIG. 50). A group of ancillary ports 1848 can be provided forfacilitating selective and independent communication of other desiredfluids with transmission components such as, for example, an externalfluid cooler, an external fluid pump, etc., and/or for facilitating themounting of one or more sensors (for example, a lubricant temperaturesensor, a lubricant level sensor, etc.).

1. A drive comprising: a prime mover; and a transmission coupled to the prime mover, wherein the transmission comprises: a continuously variable unit (CVU); an input interface coupled to the prime mover and to the CVU; an output interface coupled to the CVU; and a parallel branch for mechanical power transmission, said parallel branch coupled to the input interface and to the output interface.
 2. The drive of claim 1, wherein the CVU comprises a plurality of spherical traction rollers.
 3. The drive of claim 2, further comprising a lubrication system operably coupled to the CVU, the lubrication system configured to provide a lubricant to the spherical traction rollers.
 4. The drive of claim 2, wherein the transmission further comprises a rangebox coupled to the output interface.
 5. The drive of claim 4, wherein the output interface comprises a combining device.
 6. The drive of claim 5, wherein the combining device comprises a planetary gearset. 7.-14. (canceled)
 15. A transmission comprising: a plurality of traction rollers; a carrier assembly operably coupled to the traction rollers; an input element configured to transfer torque to the traction rollers, the input element comprising: a load cam having bidirectional load cam ramps; a traction ring having bidirectional load cam ramps; an output element configured to transfer torque from the traction rollers; a shifter assembly configured to adjust an axis of rotation of the traction rollers; a hydraulic system operably coupled to the shifter assembly; and a lubrication system configured to provide lubricant to at least the traction rollers.
 16. The transmission of claim 15, wherein the hydraulic system comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
 17. The transmission of claim 16, wherein the shifter assembly comprises at least one shift cam, and wherein the at least one hydraulic piston is operationally coupled to the at least one shift cam.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The transmission of claim 15, wherein the output element comprises a load cam.
 20. The transmission of claim 19, wherein the load cam comprises bidirectional ramps. 21.-39. (canceled)
 40. A transmission comprising: a plurality of spherical traction rollers; a carrier assembly for supporting the traction rollers; an input element for transferring torque to the traction rollers; an output element for transferring torque from the traction rollers; an axial force generator for applying a clamping force to the spherical rollers, input element, and output element; a shifter assembly for adjusting an axis of rotation of the spherical traction rollers; a hydraulic system for actuating the shifter assembly; and a lubrication system for providing lubricant to at least the spherical traction rollers. 41.-43. (canceled)
 44. The transmission of claim 40, wherein the output element comprises a load cam.
 45. The transmission of claim 44, wherein the load cam comprises bidirectional ramps. 46.-50. (canceled)
 51. The transmission of claim 40, further comprising an input interface coupled to the input element.
 52. The transmission of claim 51, further comprising an output interface coupled to the output element.
 53. The transmission of claim 52, further comprising a parallel branch coupled to the input interface and to the output interface. 54.-103. (canceled)
 104. A center manifold for a continuously variable unit (CVU), the center manifold comprising: a base plate having a plurality of channels and ports for receiving and distributing control fluid and lubricant; and a cover plate adapted to couple to the base plate, the cover plate having a plurality of channels and ports for receiving and distributing control fluid and lubricant.
 105. The center manifold of claim 104, further comprising a plurality of recess for clearing a plurality of traction planets of the CVU.
 106. The center manifold of claim 104, further comprising at least one structure for locating the center manifold in a housing of the CVU. 107.-217. (canceled) 